Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Already Looking Forward to Going Back Past Review

By (English Literature, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/02/2014 to 06/28/2014 with

Arcadia: York - University of York

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel that I have gained and learned a lot from my experience abroad; seeing how another culture lives, even one that speaks the same language, opened my eyes to the way in which I live and put a new perspective on it, which I think is important. Yes, it was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Arcadia: York - University of York Photo Arcadia: York - University of York Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that the classes were challenging, yet manageable, which to me is ideal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was definitely a student accommodation, in that, it was a bit messy and certain things didn't work or there was a little trick to them (none of these were a real problem). I did really enjoy the fact that I was with normal university students, and not lumped in with other international students.

* Food:

This question is a bit difficult to answer because my accommodation was self-catered.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the culture and felt this was mainly achieved because I was living with English students, rather than international students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues that needed to be addressed beyond the occasional aspirin or band-aid.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in York; it helped that it is a smaller city. But it's always best to go out with a group.

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 felt I did alright living minimally; I rarely ate out, I shopped at the cheaper grocery stores (Aldi is the best), and when I did go out I tried to set a limit on how much I would spend. However, it's difficult to not spend much money when a dollar is worth less than a pound. Also, travelling was the largest expense that I had, but that was to be expected. There are very affordable ways to travel though, you just have to look for them.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week I spent roughly $20, and I think that's on the higher end of the scale.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Writing down everything makes it easier to physically see how much money you're spending, which makes it easier to keep track of your money and not over spend.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The orientation in London the first few days
  • The personable staff made it easy to ask questions and just talk to in general
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked a little more explanation on the way in which the university was organized, just because a lot of it was so different.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I needed a rail card, because I bought numerous rail tickets and the discount would have saved me a lot of money.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'