Leicester: Small Town Feel With A Big City University Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, University of North Dakota) for

University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was so worthwhile. While there were some bad days when I got homesick I did love the experience. Living in a foreign country gives you an unique perspective that you wouldn't get from just visiting. It enhanced my feeling that my major is right for me and that I'm on the right track.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational system in England is much more of a "learn it yourself" system. The instructors lecture, but it is up to you to actually learn and cover the material that will be on the exam. The grading system is also much stricter than it is in the United States.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Throughout the time spent in Leicester I had many questions for the study abroad office and whenever I needed an answer I stopped into the office and they were available to answer my questions. They were very friendly and made sure my stay was acceptable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Campus was 2 miles away but there was a very convenient bus service that took you to town and then to the city center. I loved the people in my block and we would go out together as a group to the bars and clubs on the weekends. I did need to buy some dishes and sliver ware, but only a little. There was a fridge, oven, and microwave in the shared kitchenette. I bought a towel there so as not to take up room in my suitcase. I did buy a duvet cover and pillowcase though it was not necessary as one was provided. This is not always the case, I just happened to have an ensuite bathroom and they provide linens.

* Food:

I have dietary restrictions and was not overly thrilled with the food in the hall dining rooms. It was a lot of breaded chicken, breaded fish, and potatoes. There is a really great chinese buffet in the city center behind the High Cross Mall that is decent on price for some fantastic food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Through the program I got to travel to Rome for a week. I loved it. Super informative, and you got to see not only the main tourist attractions in Rome, but also some of the historical sites around Rome that I might not have been able to see on my own. There was a 5 week spring break and I did a lot of traveling around Europe during that time, mostly on my own. It was a very unique experience and one that I suggest others take advantage of, either alone or with people. My program also arranged a London orientation for 3 days prior to arriving in Leicester so we could see some of the tourist sites in London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

They have a good healthcare system in place. There are lots of pamphlets given to you at registration regarding everything from the common cold to meningitis. I did get sick due to wet weather conditions, but called the healthcare phone line and was given advice on how to get better. It almost seemed easier to access healthcare than at home because at home if I was sick I would have to call and make an appointment rather than just calling a hotline or putting my information online and having them call me.

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)

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?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone who is very self motivated and can make sure to manage time well would benefit the most from this program. Anyone who is genuinely interested in the classes they would take here would benefit though. I would say that to get out and explore the city. It's easy to get stuck in a particular pattern or habit and then you miss all that Leicester has to offer. It's bigger than it looks. Also, Leicester is super convenient to visit the rest of England or even Europe, so do.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Italian Art and Architecture 1500-1700

Course Department: History of Art 2210
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I participated a lot less than I would have at home because I didn't feel like I knew enough about art to speak on it. It felt like you needed a strong background in art for the class, although none was required to enroll in the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

European Union Politics

Course Department: Politics 2016
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The lecture part of the course was very dry and boring, and the instructor went through the slides too fast for me to keep up writing notes. Interesting topic, tutorials were much more interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International Security Studies

Course Department: Politics 2018
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was my favorite course that I took at Leicester. It covers how the international community defines security and what their responses are to security threats.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.