Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent academics, stunning location Past Review

By (Psychology, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 06/05/2015 with

Bangor University: Wales - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't believe how independent I became in a few short months, and now I feel like I can handle anything life throws at me in the future. In addition to learning about many different cultures throughout my time in the UK/traveling around Europe, I also learned a lot about myself. This program was definitely worthwhile and I am happy that I chose it. However, I can't help but wonder what it would have been like to study in a country where English is not the main spoken language, or what I could have gained from living with a host family. From this experience, I learned a lot about Welsh/UK culture... and came to realize how similar it turned out to be to America. Overall, I consider the experience very worthwhile and wouldn't trade it for anything.

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.

Many resources and subject material interesting. However, classes not usually worth attending

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Difficult to get correct information from international office at Bangor. Do not provide many resources and do not plan very many excursions or events for international students (if they do they are usually poorly advertized)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Cooked all of my own food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Bangor international office gave me the phone number of health clinics, but provided no information beyond that. Though healthcare was free, it was difficult to sign up and see a healthcare provider in a timely manner.

* Safety:

Always felt very safe, even walking around late at night

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on traveling outside your host country, make sure to buy plane tickets and book hotels/hostels as early as possible. Also, Airbnb is a great website/app for cheap accommodation, especially when you are traveling with other people.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Location/Scenery
  • Size of city
  • Friendly people (international and local)
* What could be improved?
  • International office
  • Items available to students upon arrival (I bought a lot of kitchenware/bedding that I must throw out. I wish there was a way to make it accessible to the next UMaine student studying here)
  • Easier way to sign up for classes upon arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best thing to do concerning cell phones is to buy a UK Sim card. If you have a new US cell phone that has payments monthly this is not possible. Also, cover sheets must be attached to all papers handed in, no matter what subject/level. Finally, bring a warm coat and NOT heavy rain boots.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.