The most spontanious adventure any student could have ever experienced! Past Review

By (Real Estate and Finance, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/23/2014 to 06/13/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Hull - Semester in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I didn't go abroad to sit in the classroom, I went abroad to experience the world. And that is what I did! I visited 11 countries, took over 30 flights, 50 trains, and met people from all over the world! This experience was far beyond what I ever expected!

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.

Hull offered many great class options to choose from. Although scheduling was not ideal, I was able to make out a schedule that worked well around weekend traveling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The UofHull was moderately accommodating the days before classes, but did not have any means of communication throughout the semester. They assisted in scheduling classes, but very little later on.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homes are typical student accommodations. Town houses with 5 students, two bath, one shower, kitchen and common space. I felt safe at all times and never worried about fire, theft, or assault.

* Food:

No food provided

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people of Hull and the surrounding areas are more than pleasant. It was the people that made my experience so wonderful!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I registered with a doctor, but never utilized their services.

* Safety:

Never at any point did I feel unsafe.

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 rate was far from in our favor, making living more expensive than expected.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as possible prior. Just remember you do not have to go out to eat every night, PB&Jelly is an okay meal!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The local people
  • The ease of traveling
  • Experiencing cultures other than my own
* What could be improved?
  • The communication from Hull
  • The communication from UNI while abroad
  • The guidance of where and how to do basic survival things there
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be causious of the exchange rate. Start traveling the first weekend. Don't sit in your house, see the world. Experience the food, even if you cant pronounce it!

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Media

Course Department: Media and Film
Instructor: James Zborowski
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course in a whole was very interesting. Two main essays, one final exam, and 2 hours a week class time. Very manageable and recommended!
Credit Transfer Issues: Transferred back as general UNI credit as I did not need the course to satisfy any requirements.
Course Name/Rating:

Marketing

Course Department: Business
Instructor: Fannie Yeung
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was more demanding than I expected it to be. The class was made up of a 1 hour tutorial, a 2.5 hour lecture, and a 2 hour seminar, weekly. The class was marked 50% on a group project and 50% on the final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: Transferred and satisfied for the Marketing class at UNI.
Course Name/Rating:

Incan, Aztec, and Mayan Cultures

Course Department: History
Instructor: Helen Fenwick
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very low demanding course. Meets two days a week for 50 minutes. The only work for the class is two essays due at midterm and the end.
Credit Transfer Issues: Transferred and satisfied my Non-Western Civ LAC Requirement