My Family Across the Pond Past Review

By (Christian Education, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 05/26/2014 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 friendships and a broader understanding of the World. It was life changing, and I wish I was going back this semester.

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 very interesting! I was very happy with the topics I choice. The grading is very different, and the amount of work outside of class is less. My favorite part was hearing opinions or ideas that you might not hear from professors back home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Beth is really sweet! She is very busy and rotates between campus's. The international buddies on campus are very helpful and will answer any questions you have.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Old Building and it felt like I lived in a Castle or Hogwarts! The only problem was there wasn't very good wifi connection.

* Food:

Fish and Chips from Llyods are delicious and the bakery on the corner is really good too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The best thing about Lampeter is the people. Never have I met such welcoming people. Not just the kids on campus, but the locals as well. I felt like I was apart of a family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any experiences with the health care, but from what I heard it didn't seem too positive.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. The Hall wardens, porters, and even locals officers are always present.

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)

Because of the currency exchange it was a little expensive, but most my spending could have been reduced.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? For everything I spent about a 100 a week, but you can cut that in half.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It helps if you cook with a friend. It cuts the food prices down.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The hiking trails near campus
  • The accents
* What could be improved?
  • wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time flies by. Make the most of it while you're there.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'