Past Review
By Amy T (Public Relations/English, The University of Texas at Austin) for
University of Sussex: Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
As I tell everyone who asks, my study abroad experience was a non-replaceable, priceless time. While the academic component was not as strong as my home university, the experiences I had there and the non-book knowledge I gained go way beyond the classroom. This semester gave me so more out of my college years than a degree- it gave me an introduction into the world and a confidence to continue exploring (abroad and locally).
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. |
We felt that the grading, submission, and evaluation methods were a bit out of date and difficult to work with, particularly in a timely manner. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our arrival into the country was very hectic due to the weather problems, but we still struggled to adjust due to a lack of support from the International office. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat with 8 other University of Sussex students. <br /><br /> While my flatmates and I got along well, our living environment was rather appalling. The flat was dirty, moldy, improperly maintained, and rather unsafe. |
| * Food: |
Food was our responsibility. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Brighton was a wonderful town that was rich with culture and diversity, and we also enjoyed traveling around the country with the International Office- organized trips. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The health center was rather complicated and difficult to visit and secure an appointment with, and I had several friends who were not seen until weeks after their inital symptoms and visit. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was unaware of the high cost of ground transportation (bus back and forth into town, airports, etc) |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning 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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say that a self starter would benefit from the program- it isnt a difficult academic environment, but staying on top of the work is essential as there are not the same amount of course checkpoints and resources. Also, someone who can be flexible with potential problems (freak snowstorms, unpredictable resources, etc) |
