Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I DON'T CARE! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best trip EVERRRRRRR Past Review

By (Biology, General., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/19/2013 to 06/02/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone Sustainability in UK, Session 2

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worthwhile. Had an amazing group which is a big part of it. Everybody had a blast and learned so much at the same time. Could not have asked for a better trip.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sustainability Capstone Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is a great introduction to studying abroad. What better place to go than the UK? Students are able to see so much history and cultural things while still speaking the language and being somewhat in their comfort zone. Journaling was required, which is something I always do while I travel so this was a plus.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The UK is amazing! Everybody who we visited for the class (University of Swansea) and stayed with (plenty of hotels and guesthouses all around) were more than kind to us. We had an unforgettable experience with all of these people and we won't forget it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was amazing. Could not ask for anything better. Even the hostels we stayed in 2 nights out of the trip were fabulous. Some of the nicest hostels I've ever stayed in.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were plenty of opportunities for us to mingle with the local culture. These were some of the times students learned the most.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Just because of the fact that the conversion rate is so bad, it is somewhat hard to live as cheap as you would at home at college. I was able to spend around $300 in the 2 weeks we were there so that wasn't bad. I also spent money on some things I usually wouldn't sometimes. It all depends on how much you shop.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs! You will just hoard them. I like going to the stores and buying groceries to take around for the day instead of paying 10 pounds for fish and chips everywhere.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location/places we visited
  • Awesome leader
  • The differences in local cultures
* What could be improved?
  • perhaps less free time on some days.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I shouldn't have worried about a single thing because every little thing worked it self out perfectly.

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.