Where life becomes reality. Past Review

By (Microbiology, Immunology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/22/2014 to 05/29/2015 with

Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself. I learned to accept myself and feel comfortable being who I am. Meeting new people and sharing life experiences has shaped the way I feel and think about everything. I have become more understanding of people from all walks of life. There is nothing better than to meet a new friend over a nice fika.

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 courses were all very well designed and the course material was intriguing. I did not personally like taking only one course at a time- finishing one course before starting another. The grading system is also difficult to transfer to ECTS in a fair manner, or so I felt.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Study Abroad Office in Uppsala was very helpful and organized. From check-in to check-out I felt informed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My arrangements were not very well-maintained but the community feeling of student corridors makes it all worth it.

* Food:

Traditional Swedish food does not have the most flavor and is not usually Instagram-able; however, it is high quality and there are a lot of organic and vegetarian, even vegan, options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

American culture can be found everywhere in Sweden. Everyone in the country from ages 7-up can speak English, and their society is one of the most accepting in the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Bureaucracy overload.

* Safety:

In Sweden crime is relatively low, my biggest fear was getting my bike stolen.

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)

Depending on the exchange rate it was either really expensive, or just expensive. I spent well over $200 per week on food, clothes, and entertainment.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy duty-free spirits.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International 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 preparedness of the Study Abroad Office in Uppsala.
  • Gender equality in Sweden.
  • Student corridor housing options.
* What could be improved?
  • Better corespondance from my home University.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that this experience would change everything about me- in the best way possible.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.