Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I learned more in 5 months abroad about myself than in all my life! Past Review

By (Anthropology., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

Bangor University: Wales - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academic wise, I learned about local culture. Especially from taking an Archeology module that included field trips to local sites and castles. Though my program was 'study abroad' most of my studying came from experiencing things I would never be able to here in the U.S. 90% of what I learned came from the moments outside of the classroom. Walks to the local pier, Roman fort, or climbing the tallest mountain in Wales are just a few things that brought so much happiness to myself. With friends I got the opportunity to travel to Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, and the cultural knowledge and experiences from these trips have taught me so much about myself. The greatest thing I have gained from my 5 months abroad was the confidence and joy in myself that I had not had before. As cliche as it really is, this was a life changing experience and though I gained and learned a lot, finding my own happiness made it more than worthwhile.

Review Photos

University of Wales Bangor: Bangor - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Wales Bangor: Bangor - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were very different and I had trouble adapting to U.K. educational programs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Bangor Uni.'s international administratives were friendly but not helpful in any aspect of the semester abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

The Great British Pound was expensive for Americans and I seemed to go through money easily, though I had saved enough but by the end of the one semester I was there I had no money left.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 GBP, about 160 US Dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The different grocery shops in Northern Wales have great prices so shop around for the food you like. Shopping wise, Bangor has the longest high street in the U.K so try not to window shop as much if you are looking into traveling more rather than clothes shopping and such. In terms of pubs and clubs, there are cheap drink nights and at clubs there's a point where it's free entry until a certain time. Theres always ways to save, but since it's the GBP it can become pretty expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I heard Welsh everyday but I had no reason to use it, unfortunately. But the cultural factor of hearing the language was interesting and worthwhile.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There are beginner courses in Welsh and Welsh culture, and I would recommend taking one.

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?
  • Cultural immersion
  • Meeting people from around the world
  • Traveling throughout Europe
* What could be improved?
  • The international employees at Bangor University could set up more opportunities for international students (to get to know the area, to pick classes, show them how to live in the area etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Even if you try to 'blend in' and entirely adapt to the local area and culture, people will know you are not from their. Don't fight it, use it for conversation, and to your advantage.

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.