The best thing that has ever happened to me. Past Review

By (Biology/Psychology, University of New Mexico) - abroad from 09/26/2011 to 06/06/2012 with

University of Sheffield: Sheffield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have changed my major, and my outlook on life. Plus I've been bitten by the travel fever. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

THe University of Sheffield has top notch educational opportunities. The overall intensity and rigor though is whatever you choose to make of it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Had a few bumps while dealing with the abroad program, but very helpful in most cases.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Absolutely loved the university accommodation that I stayed in. My flatmates were incredible, although sometimes loud and obnoxious. The accommodation services even hired me to give tours to prospective students and parents. A bit pricey, but I think it was worth the cost.

* Food:

English food is not as terrible as stereotypes make it out to be, but it can be a bit bland.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was very friendly and not just the other students, the local residents were always helpful and polite with a good sense of humour.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt perfectly safe walking around Sheffield whether in broad daylight or at three in the morning.

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 lived on approximately less than $50 a week for food and basic leisure, did not include traveling.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Minimize eating out if you can and cook for yourself.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The places
* What could be improved?
  • The way coursework transfers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How fast one year goes by.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'