If you have the opportunity,TAKE IT! Past Review

By (Business Communication and Event Management, Westminster College, MO) - abroad from 01/16/2012 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 really found my independence on this experience! I don't know very many other people my age that can say they traveled Europe without their parents and with their best friends AND had a blast by the time they were 21! Study Abroad, please, you will kick yourself later in life if you pass it up!

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.

I took classes strictly for Event Management and Marketing. The classes were extremely helpful with understanding such a complex field! The way the University is set up academically is very different than American Universities; I think that was the hardest part for me. I had so much free time during the semester I had to re-train my time management skills in order to focus and get assignments done because most classes only have two major assignments per semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff and faculty of the University were very helpful and some went out of their way to help and make us feel comfortable!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At the Uni, we were accommodated with single dorm rooms that contained a single bed, a small four drawer stand, a decent sized desk and chair, a cushioned chair, a decent sized closet (without hangers--which can easily be bought at PoundLand--their dollar store) and a concealable sink with mirror. The rooms were very nice for a single and all have decent sized windows!

* Food:

The cafeteria had a selection of foods. As an exchange student you are allotted 50pounds ($) a week--Sun to Sun. This can be tricky at first until you get used to the prices of certain foods or meals. Many of us found ourselves low on our card money but it happens, just make sure you manage your money! There are four different places on campus you can get food/tea/coffee. The main cafeteria as I mentioned, the Learning Network- this is an area with computers and printers for student use along with a coffee/snack bar which you can use your meal card, the game room downstairs- this has pizza, nachos, wraps, pasta, and salads--this is all made to order. Up on the West Downs campus there is another snack bar similar to the one at the Learning Network!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It does take a little time to get used to the classes and the town, but once you have it figured out, we fit in perfectly! Some of the students may seem a little stand-offish at first, but it's because they are nervous too! Don't be shy, introduce yourself and I can guarantee that they well want to hear all about America and your hobbies! And most likely they will invite you over to hang out or go out on the town that weekend!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were very fortunate and did not run into any health issues while abroad!

* Safety:

The city of Winchester is very safe! But do remember, you are in a foreign country and even though you may feel like you know your surroundings, just keep an eye out and avoid something if you're not comfortable! I really do recommend locking your door room whenever you leave- even to go to the shower! You do share a hallway with at least ten other students!

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)

It was difficult at certain times and hard to tell you what to expect exactly. We traveled quite a bit and sometimes we didn't travel at all. We ate outside of campus at least once or twice a week--mostly on the weekends. We also enjoyed the night life some weeks. You just need to make sure you are responsible and keep track of all your spending! If you are looking for shopping--Whichester is very high-end and mostly designer, so hop on the train for 7pounds ($) round trip to Southhampton and go to the John Lewis mall! It's about a 5 minute walk from the train station! Great deals!

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depending on travel. If we did not travel I would say about $150-200 a week, sometimes not even $150!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I recommend a credit card with a limit of about $600--this is actually about 450 pounds--its great and easy to use. If not I also used a debit card--just make sure you keep up with all payments and check your balances online before going out! When you go out for the night to a club or even a pub--I would not bring more than 20 pounds in cash! and NEVER bring out your credit/debit cards--these can easily be lost or stolen at night. Before you leave the US go to your bank and ORDER the currency you desire! It's very simple and the money takes about two weeks or less to come in. If you are going to England order Pounds AND Euros! (I recommend hiding or keeping them safe somewhere in your room that only you know about until you need the extra cash--never take it all with you!) You can always use your debit card at an ATM anywhere it's available but you will also be charged with a service fee.

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
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • I liked getting to know the local students.
  • I really liked the City of Winchester.
  • It was so easy to travel around Europe!
* What could be improved?
  • A little bit more guidance by the University staff upon arrival--we were kind of lost, but eventually found our way around things!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I really wish I would have know about a cite like this to find good tips! And I really wish I would have found out some deals like PoundLand early on! But the locals are great, if you have a question--don't be afraid to ask!