Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A really extraordinary experience! Past Review

By (Exercise Science, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 09/13/2013 to 01/13/2014 with

University of Sunderland: Sunderland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Every student should have to do this. This trip changed the way I look at life and the opportunities ahead of me. It was too easy to get caught up in the bubble of reality that I experience in Orono, Maine, and even America. To say that my trip was worthwhile would be selling it short. Taking the chance to break outside of my own life was something invaluable to me and I will remember it forever.

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.

At times it was honestly hard to stay busy with school work. I was only taking three classes for my major, which is typical for a semester at Sunderland, however I am accustomed to taking 5 or even 6. I signed up to take German as well for extra classroom time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Emma Pierce was very helpful administrator. I was assigned an advisor for the duration of my trip who was informed of my needs as a study abroad student. Affordable trips around the UK were sponsored by Sunderland University.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Clanny House flat. I had my own room and lived with 6 other people, all from different parts of world. A grocery store, pubs, the gym, post office, ATM's, and the university were all in walking distance.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have one piece of advice..join a club! I don't know how I would have met locals if I hadn't joined the rowing team. The only other opportunity to meet UK citizens was in classes which meet rather infrequently.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Within the first week of being at Sunderland I was assigned a general practitioner. I was was surprised that healthcare was so available. The housing complex was right across the street from the hospital as well.

* Safety:

I never felt in real danger during my time in Sunderland. There is a large drinking culture there and I wouldn't suggest walking alone late at night. I had a coat stolen at a night club along with my friend's wallet. Practice general safety and there will be no reason to worry.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I was spending around 70-80 dollars a week. The exchange rate was pretty brutal on my bank account. If I spent 30 pounds on food for the week and then went out twice it added up quick.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Open a local bank account so you don't have to deal with as many ATM fees.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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 city of Sunderland.
  • The kind, open people of the UK.
  • The chance to visit other countries as well.
* What could be improved?
  • A more realistic breakdown of weekly expenses, I nearly went broke.
  • I wasn't able to access my firstclass email or Umaine accounts.
  • The SU buddies program was great in theory but didn't actually give me much of a social boost.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had opened a bank account to avoid the ATM fees. I also would prepare a better wardrobe. British students don't show up to class in sweatpants.

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.