Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Winchester Past Review

By (Westminster College, MO) - abroad from 01/12/2012 to 04/06/2012 with

University of Winchester: Winchester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what kind of travel I like, more about myself as a person, and how independent and strong I can be. It was completely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Winchester - University of Winchester Photo Direct Enrollment: Winchester - University of Winchester Photo Direct Enrollment: Winchester - University of Winchester Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It's different than American universities because all of your grade is usually just based on one or two assignments! So, there is less work, but it is more heavily weighted.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Got the job done in the end, but was a pain to work with and understand.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in the dorm that I did! It was just your generic dorm building, nothing special about it, but living in a dorm helps you meet so many people! I also loved having a single (pretty much everyone does).

* Food:

The games room food is awesome, and some of the stuff from the learning cafe is okay. But the food hall is usually horrible. Unless you are eating there at lunch and you get stir-fry. It's delicious! (Or if you are getting custard. Custard is awesome.)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love Winchester. End of story.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really have any medical problems during the program so I can't comment too much. I did, however, have a time where I needed some non prescription medication, and the people at Boots were more than accommodating.

* Safety:

It's like any place. Stay smart and you'll be fine. Don't walk alone at night, especially if you are intoxicated.

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)

You are allotted fifty pounds a week by the school for food, which will get you a good lunch and dinner until about Thursday. You can easily stretch that, though, if you just get a sandwich instead of sandwich, crisps, and a drink, for example. I did make my own breakfast everyday, though.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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
  • 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?
  • The ability to meet and be mixed with English students.
  • The location of Winchester.
  • The people I met there.
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative procedures
  • More money allotted for food
  • Better communication with the international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That when I come back to America, everything is going to be the same. Taking a semester abroad doesn't mean you come back to a changed campus.