Would You Like a Cup Of Tea? My journey in Britian.. 1 word AMAZING! Past Review

By (psychology and criminology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for

University of Worcester: Worcester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I plan on going International to work in Social work and international development. This experience has opened my mind to so many more things and i wish everyone had the opportunity to travel outside their own country and maybe there wouldn't be so much hate but a general understand that we are all human beings and have more in common than we think

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.

The grading system was based on one project for each class, They graded strict and anonymously , which really limited a students opportunity for any improvement. Assignments and location of classes we were very disorganized. Also, only going to class once a week without any homework or assignments really limited consistency and structure for the class. Furthermore, classes rarely involved any hands on assignments or anything relevant to the project that your whole grade in the class depends on. I figure things may have been different if i had always went to university there, however the structure of the American educational system and the Great Britian system are very different and me and many of my ,found it to short of a time period, to adjust efficiently.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

University very assessable to the rest of the world!! The people on campus were very generous in helping me to adjust there. The university had great support services, and clubs that were very useful. Honestly, besides adjusting to the classes everything was great, and the university made it a wonderful experience despite some mitigating circumstances.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was great. I lived on a flat with 2 Americans, 2 guys from Finland and a girl from Switzerland and i love them all. The other students in the building were great and it was very easy to socialize.

* Food:

Shakeys!!!! on high street is the best place to get food. They are so welcoming and they have a party room and a hooka bar in the back.The food takes a little adjusting to without all the fast food places like here. For breakfast and dinner they eat somethings opposite of what we would during those times, nut its not bad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Traveling Europe going to Dublin and Paris was awesome.Also meeting friends that will last me a lifetime.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I fracture my knee about a month into my studies. I did find it very hard to get around i was limited to a wheelchair and crutches for the rest of my stay. Since i was not a citizen and i did not purchase any prior insurance it was difficult for me to get treatment there. The health system is alot slower there, if you do not have private insurance. Despite this catastrophic event i still completed my 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)

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Student who are open minded, Adventurous, Free spirited, determined individuals who want to make a difference in their life but also the life of others. A person willing to take risk and live out there full potential and not follow the "American Dream" but follow there own dream. Do not let the media and the history books depict a picture of whats going on in other nations go see for your self and form your own opinions and beliefs. And although you are going over there to study, the REAL learning experience come from what you learn about yourself and utilized that to teach others.