Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sustainability in the UK-A taste of country side and city in Europe. Past Review

By (Communication Disorders, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/14/2014 to 05/29/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Sustainability Abroad Capstone

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the cultural differences the United States has verses the United Kingdom. I think the thing I enjoyed the most was just walking around and trying to absorb as much information as I possibly could.

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.

I learned a lot through this capstone. Not only about sustainability and how the United States differs from the United Kingdom, but about culture. The exposure to different people and ways of thinking while abroad will benefit me for years to come.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I though Eric and the student programmers did a very good job making sure everyone was informed and taken care of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very pleased with where we stayed for the most part. I didn't really care for the hostel we stayed at in Dublin or in Belfast, but other than that, it was very good housing.

* Food:

I could always find something to eat. Loved the breakfast!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was obvious we stood out because we were a group of college American students. I don't think that ever hindered my experience with getting to know the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The only health issue we experienced while on the trip was accommodating food restrictions and that was relatively easy from what I observed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe wherever we went. I think the only time I was unsure was in Belfast at our last hostel and that was when we were in a less safe neighborhood.

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)

I chose not to put much of a limit on the amount of money I spent while abroad. I figured that since it would be one of the only times I got to go abroad, I should make the most of the experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
  • 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?
  • The combination of country and city things we got to see.
  • That on our long bus rides we tried to break them up by stopping and seeing things along the way.
  • The breathtaking views we got to see at the stops we made.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, I thought the trip went very well.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have packed another jacket. I seemed to always be a little chilly while I was there. Also, that there is a lot of bus time when you're traveling from country to county. Purchase more books for the trip so you don't get bored.