Life in Leicester Past Review

By (Marketing/International Business, Illinois State University) for

University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. I am way more confident, experienced, and accepting.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was different than the United States in that there were not exams, but final papers in which all of our knowledge gained from the semester was tested.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt like my host school's administration was very professional. They were very helpful and knowledgeable. You could tell they had a lot of experience with international students. The only thing I would recommend for improvement would be the lack of organization during registration week. I don't understand why registration couldn't be done online? It was confusing and I ended up taking classes that I didn't really need.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a house. At first I was discouraged by the quality of the interior of the house, but by the end I loved it and wouldn't have had it any other way. I liked living in a co-ed environment and being with people from all over the world.

* Food:

The food was okay - usually nothing special. One thing I did appreciate was the addition of a vegetarian option every night.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? We had a meal plan, so I didn't spend that much money on food. If you plan on traveling you will need a lot of money. The conversion rate to pounds or euros does not favor us as Americans.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There were no additional expenses. The conversion rate was a little bit of a surprise. If you have a low budget, try not to spend money on clothes or other unnecessary things.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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