Life-changing in the best way imaginable Past Review
By M B (History, SUNY - College at Brockport) - abroad from 05/18/2015 to 07/04/2015 with
Arcadia: Oxford - University of Oxford
I gained stonger academic abilities and a new perspective on essentially everything. This was the most challenging and most rewarding experience of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program was the most challenging and rewarding academic experience that I have ever encountered. In a matter of four weeks, I managed to read over 100 books, write over 20,000 words, and engage in in-depth conversations regarding the subject matter with my two tutors. I came out of the program a stronger academic and I feel that I learned more in my two courses than I have in any 15-week semester course at my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My programme was through Arcadia University and our programme manager/advisor did a fantastic job at making sure that we were kept well informed of goings-on in the area in regards to both safety and leisure activities. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Barring a few minor incidents, the house that myself and other programme participants lived in was quite nice. We had a bit of a walk to the libraries, but there were several local amenities and grocery stores in close walking distance. |
| * Food: |
Anyone who says that English food is bland and disgusting hasn't visited the UK in about 20 years. From the scones to the pub food to the food trucks that line the streets at night, everything was delicious and anyone who says you won't be able to find good peanut butter is blatantly lying. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I came home with 1/3 of the money I budgeted for the trip left in my bank account. Groceries are a lot cheaper in the UK |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around $300. That included trips to pubs, a trip to Ireland, and day trips around England. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Purchase canned food and things that don't spoil easily. There are less preservatives in UK foods, so things like bread spoil quickly if they aren't left in the freezer. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How to get involved in extra activities |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
