Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A change of environment means a change of perspective Past Review

By (Capstone, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2015 to 05/26/2015 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in England and Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I experienced a different way of life and interacted with people who had a different background than me. I learned more independence and felt my worldview expand. I got to see an amazing part of the world and learn about country's whose history is older than my own. It was one of the best things I could have done for myself to complete my college experience.

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.

* 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:

I felt completely safe in London and Ireland. The Tube made it incredibly easy to explore the city and the bus passes that we got did the same.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I brought snacks which helped with food related expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The freedom to explore
  • The exposure to different foods and places
  • The sights and activities that we did
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice to have more free days in London
  • A couple of the hostels could have been better
  • I wish we would've seen Stonehenge
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known to bring more money for food and some more snacks.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'