Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Unforgettable Time the World Changed my World! Past Review

By (Tourism and Travel Services Management., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/10/2014 to 06/13/2014 with

University of Sheffield: Sheffield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I gain valuable life experience but I also gained friendships with people from all over the world that will last me a lifetime. I was able to experience events and places that some people can dream. To say my abroad experience was worthwhile would be an understatement to say the least!

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Sheffield - University of Sheffield Photo Direct Enrollment: Sheffield - University of Sheffield Photo Direct Enrollment: Sheffield - University of Sheffield Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

The student accommodation for international students was amazing! I was able to live with students from all over the world which was probably one of my favorite aspects of my exchange program.

* Food:

There is common stereotype that food in England is either bland or just not good at all. I found this to not be true. Not only is the local food good (Nottingham House!!) but there is also an wide variety of international foods to try. This actually how I found my love for curry!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was definitely integration with the local culture but not as much as I would have liked. It is easy to meet people and make friends with people in your classes and when you go out to a pub or club but since the international students all live together, we were separated from the other British students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safest city in the UK!!

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)

Studying abroad in the UK is a little bit more expensive because the exchange rate is not favorable to the US. Luckily though, living in Sheffield was a lot cheaper than living in a huge, major city like London.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200.I ate out a lot so I spent more than the average person, but it is easier to spend less than that.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget, budget, budget! Also, keep track of the exchange rate because it fluctuated a lot while I was there.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My favorite part of the program was people I met and with whom I became close.
  • I also really liked Sheffield itself. It was a great city inwhich I was able to get a genuine English city experience and also, it was close enough to English countryside that I was able to explore that also.
* What could be improved?
  • The only thing I would improve upon is the integration of international students with the local English students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was really freaking out before going on this program and I wish I knew that no matter what happened, it was going to be worth it all in the end.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.