Studying in Manchester: Discovering myself in a new city Past Review
By Jessica D (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) for
University of Manchester: Manchester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Most definitely my study abroad experience was worthwhile. It gave me confidence and independence. I live an hour away from Wellesley so this was the first time I've spent a significant amount of time away from home, navigating a city on my own. I made amazing friends and experienced a wonderful culture. I'm so grateful to have gotten to discover a new, foreign city, as well as travel throughout the surrounding area, soaking in the culture, the sights, and the history. I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was slightly confusing trying to come up with an equivalent American grade, since the British grading system generally gives lower grades. The workload was different in terms of not doing work for a grade but simply reading and writing one or two essays. It was more challenging because I had to make sure I kept up with the work on my own, rather than staying motivated by checked assignments and grades. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I attended a quiz night for international students during orientation, which was a good way to spend time with the new people I'd met, as well as meet new people. I also went on several of the trips organized by the International Society, which was really convenient, and I loved the trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I had catered accommodation, which provided breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday, but I bought my own meals on the weekends and for lunch. I payed 2-7 pounds per meal, depending on where I went (for instance, going to a pub for dinner on the weekend will be more than 5 pounds, while you can get a meal deal - sandwich, chips, drink - for 2 pounds on campus or in shops). So I probably paid about 30-40 pounds per week on food, as well as 10-20 pounds on extra personal items or snacks. I also went on several day trips, spending about 10 pounds on travel (by coach bus). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I'd advise planning on either spending a lot of money on buying meals every day (which I did) or buying food at a supermarket and cooking for yourself (which is probably cheaper). Although I knew the exchange rate between pounds and dollars meant that I was spending more money than it seemed (spending 5 pounds on a meal is like spending 8 dollars), I was still surprised to see my money disappear so quickly. One unanticipated expensive expense was laundry. Compared to my home university, the laundry system abroad was about twice as expensive per load. So make sure to set aside more money than anticipated, and keep in mind the exchange rate. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would tell a student that studying abroad at the University of Manchester would be a wonderful decision. The people there were welcoming and friendly, and I had a great experience in all the courses I took. It was challenging but not overwhelming, and I took a lot out of the classes I took. Manchester is not the most beautiful or clean city, but it really grew on me and became home. Anyone who is interested in experiencing life in a British city would benefit from this program. |
