Well Worth Your Time and Money Past Review

By (Interactive Digital Studies, 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?
I definitely learned that everyone hates tourists! :) Learning to take everything in stride and enjoy the moments as they are will definitely be helpful for me in my life. Also, I learned not to be afraid to be independent of the group and learn a new city with one or two other people instead of a large group. Compared to other study abroad programs through UNI, this was one of the cheaper programs and was extremely worthwhile. The places we visited were amazing and absolutely beautiful and breathtaking, Wales and Ireland especially.

Review Photos

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

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

Swansea University was amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Fish and chips in Swansea, Wales, is a MUST.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Considering the UK and Ireland are healthier than the US; we had no health issues.

* Safety:

Be aware of all of your belongings, especially credit cards and your passport. Piccadilly Circus and touristy areas in London are notorious for pick-pocketers.

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? Avoid buying things from shops in touristy areas or tourist shops, because everything is overpriced. Also, be well aware of the exchange rate. It will kill you when you return if you spend a lot.

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

  • Local 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?
  • Dublin, Ireland
  • Swansea, Wales
* What could be improved?
  • THE EXCHANGE RATE (not anything to do with the program...)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You'll lose a lot of money from the exchange rate being in the toilet - be aware of prices.