I wish I could go back!! Past Review

By (International and Intercultural Communication., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

University of Sussex: Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the british, about slang, and just making really close friends. I gained so much from this experience it is so hard to put into words. traveling around europe as a student is a once in a lifetime experience. It's not to be missed!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The school system in England is pretty different from here in the US. The only thing (for pretty much all my classes) that I was graded on was my final test/paper (meaning that was 100% of my grade). Since participation was not part of my grade, I found it hard at times to motivate myself to go to class. The professors however, expect you to fully participate and do all the readings assigned each week, so it's a balance you have to get used to. Basically you have to be very self motivated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I first arrived at Sussex, I had no idea where I was suppose to go, and there was no one there to tell me. I wandered around the campus until I finally found someone who knew what I was suppose to do.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing I lived in (Park Village) was not the best but it was one of the lowest priced. However, my friend lived in Swanborough and that was some nice housing, but a lot more expensive.

* Food:

Didn't really eat that much on campus, but the food in town was very good.

* 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)

Europe is expensive, but if you budget your time, food and alcohol correctly, then you will be fine.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? $60

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None

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

  • Americans
* 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 region of England (Brighton)
  • The people I lived with
  • the cider
* What could be improved?
  • the dorms
  • orientation at the beginning of the program
  • explanation of the grading system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? just go with them flow! sometimes things don't work out exactly as planned, but you get awesome new experiences that you would not have gotten if the plan was followed