Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible experience that I will never forget! Past Review

By (Elementary and Early Childhood Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/17/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in England and Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, other people, and the world we live in while I was abroad. Even though it was two weeks, it helped me gain a completely new perspective on the life I live and how it differs from others. The places, things, views, and attractions we saw were absolutely amazing. Going on this trip makes me want to not only visit England and Ireland again, but also visit so many other places around the world to gain even more perspective and see what they have to offer!

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?

I learned the most from being immersed in the towns and countries we visited. Each one is different and it was an authentic way to learn about the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

In Ireland I always felt extremely safe. London has a lot more people so it is a bit more crowded, but I felt pretty safe there as well.

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)

The exchange rates are more expensive. I took out money ahead of time which I thought helped, but ATMs were always an option. I spent a bit more than I expected to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be willing to spend money, but don't go overboard! Think about your needs and what you TRULY want to spend it on before you go abroad. Otherwise, you will end up spending every penny!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Structure yet freedom
  • Being with other American, UNI students
  • Having the sleeping and traveling arrangements prepared ahead of time and planned out!
* What could be improved?
  • Telling more concrete prices up front
  • Learning about the culture before we go
  • Include tubeprices rather than bus prices
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather was not what I expected. I wish I would have done more research on it before I left and packed multiple jackets/sweatshirts rather than clothing I wore at home in 80 degree weather.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.