Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Year in Manchester Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2019 to 06/05/2020 with

University of Manchester: Manchester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of independence since it was my first time alone in another country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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

Manchester is an amazing city! It is a smaller (and cheaper) version of London, but with a much more artistic scene. Filled with adorable coffee shops, secret music venues, and exciting bars/clubs, you will never be bored here. I met some of my best friends in my dorm and classes. I also met so many amazing people while going on trips with the International Society - highly recommend the Edinburgh trip! The food was fine (I had my own kitchen and did my own cooking), just try and shop cheap. All in all, I would definitely do this program again.

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? 80 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a currency exchange app

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Flexibility
  • People
  • Planned trips with International Society
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation for exchange students
  • Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program itself is pretty flexible and hands-off. Aside from a one-day presentation during orientation, there were not many events designed specifically for students in this program. In other words, it can be difficult to meet other exchange students if that is what you want.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.