Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Change your surroundings to reflect on your life. Past Review

By (Awesome People, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

Arcadia: York - University of York

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what I find really important in my own life and I was constantly reminded by how much I love traveling. It was actually hard to go back to my program after my long traveling Easter break.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was tough but an enjoyable academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My supervisor wasn't very helpful at York, I think she had students of her own from courses she was teaching and all the international students. She was very hard to get in contact with and not extraordinarily helpful though she was friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housemates, the house environment and where my housing was. Although it was a but far from campus I found the surrounding area extremely enjoyable for walks and sports.

* Food:

I made my own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was a little tough to make friends but only because I was coming in the middle of year, everyone was kind to me and seemed open to being my friend.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I knew what to do if I got in trouble.

* Safety:

York was very safe and although I got my wallet stolen in Naples, that's like the crime capital of Europe and my trip continued without major problem.

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)

I mean, I was a university student. It was harder because I couldn't have a job abroad and because I was traveling more than usual but I was prepared for that. I did fine and never starved but I also wasn't partying all the time.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your alcohol wisely and DONT go clubbing while visiting places. I've got a surprise for you, night life is practically the same everywhere but when you're tired and don't have enough money to visit a historical site the next day then it's not worth it. Also, use couch surfing. It's safe and usually free.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Living with my housemates
* What could be improved?
  • Ummmm maybe more help integrating into the uni? Just more of a program at York.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would be traveling alone ALOT.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.