Amazing and fun - but don't expect too much sun! Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., San Jose State University) - abroad from 01/24/2012 to 06/02/2012 with

University of Portsmouth: Portsmouth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It sounds cliché, but I learned that I can be more independent. A program like this forces you to go outside the confines of what you are comfortable with - academically, socially, physically and mentally. I would do it again in a heartbeat - totally worth it.

Review Photos

University of Portsmouth: Portsmouth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Portsmouth: Portsmouth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Portsmouth: Portsmouth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Portsmouth: Portsmouth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

* 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? Between 40 and 60 dollars; for going out and travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save save save! Get a card that will not incur any overseas transactions - very helpful one is from Charles Schwab.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends I made
  • Traveling in my offtime
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with host country about acceptance into program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A better understanding of the differences in class structure - ie end of term exams and/or coursework - and how those work in the host country.