Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Friendly People and Unforgettable Experiences Past Review

By (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/25/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

University of Wales - Trinity Saint David: Carmarthen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to plan for travel. I learned to manage money on a budget. After my experience abroad I have more confidence in crowds in my ability to contribute to groups of friends and peers.

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.

The classes were not as challenging as classes at my home institution and the professors did not make themselves available and many times emails were not answered promptly.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international administration was very helpful and welcoming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything in the room was in good shape and clean, but the one shower was shared between 12 girls and flooded at least 4 days out of the week.

* Food:

The food was good quality, but not a lot of variety for vegetarians.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated. The students that helped the international office as well as their staff did a good job helping the international students experience and integrate into the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues during the program but other students had trouble getting doctor appointments and help when needed.

* Safety:

Carmarthen was a very safe town and I felt safe with the security at the program.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make and stick to a weekly budget.

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

  • 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?
  • Welsh people were welcoming and friendly.
  • Plenty of opportunity to experience local culture.
  • Easter break provided plenty of time to travel and experience other parts of Europe.
* What could be improved?
  • More vegetarian options if the catering is going to be required.
  • Professors could be more available at least through email.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Many of the same brands of shampoo and other toiletries can be found in the UK. Also, there are very cheap ways to travel such as easyjet and megabus, but megabus can be hard to handle on long rides and while ryanair is a cheaper airline than easyjet it is a lot harder.