Loved it! and would do it all over again. Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/29/2012 to 06/18/2012 with

University of Nottingham: Nottingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the experience of a lifetime by traveling across Europe and meeting so many amazing people from all over the world. More than anything my experience was validating in understanding what my personal strengths and weaknesses are.

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.

It was academically rigorous, but in comparison to US institutions like William and Mary it was seemingly not intense at all.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had one meeting with them which was sufficient, and the majority of other information was sent out by email.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in a Freshmen dorm, that came with its benefits of meeting people, but they were freshmen. My dorm specifically seemed to be a large group of international students.

* Food:

No very good at all

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very. Although Nottingham is a very international campus I would describe the city as being pretty English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had no health care issues

* Safety:

I never felt at danger at anytime, but the lack of security measures like blue lights on campus can be a little unsettling for some people.

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)

It all depends on what activities you are doing during the week. For me I spent no extra money on food because it was provided all my costs were spent on activities out in the city.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? On the weekly basis, manage what nights you want to go out and budget for them. Also plan out your traveling plans early in order to set money aside for it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International 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?
  • Academic freedom and more free time
  • Exposure to many different cultures and international students
  • The ability to easily take time during the semester break and travel
* What could be improved?
  • International students incorporation into campus life
  • the dorm food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The English aren't necessarily that different from Americans.