Canterbury: historical yet progressive, and charming yet full of life and entertainment! Past Review
By Hannah P (english studies, Illinois State University) for
Canterbury Christ Church University: Canterbury - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
it was completely worthwile. however, for some its just a party and so classes and the whole purpose of being there can get jumbled. for me, i felt like my classes were lacking the usual pace im used to back home which affected my performance in school. however, being there has made me acutely aware of multiple and diverse cultures that i would LOVE to delve into farther in later life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
it really depended on the classes you choose. if you choose more general ed oriented classes you have more work, papers, essays wise, than those of us like me who rarely had a paper to write. teaching methods are very similar to ours. turnitin takes a while to understand and appreciate so make sure you get your teachers to talk to you about it BEFORE your first paper is due! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
though i didn't have a faculty leader, the other american students who did kind of loaned out their faculty leader so that if i or those who came with me needed advice or help or anything, they would help us. we treated as though we were their students as well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
i needed to buy sheets, mattress pads, pillows, hair care (i.e. hair dryer that is country based not USA), all in all it depends on your preference and comfort level. proximity to class was far. without shortcuts and learning to walk fast it takes awhile so plan accordingly. |
| * Food: |
the bars and any indian/ sushi place is really good!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
really reccommend international friends weekend trips!!!!!! try to see as much as you can in the day and then party at night. ask the locals where they would go and then you get the authentic experiences!! get to know the bartenders because they really make the experience. they like you, they give you the best drinks and ideas. plus, if you find a place that is comfortable, its gonna help with adjustment because it will be a constant. it won't be so over whelming if you have a place to just go and chill at the end of the day, get your bearings. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
safety is very good!! i never felt in danger. you would seriously have to go looking for it or provoke it to feel unsafe. the usa students don't get the medical plan as the other students so you have to be able to get in to see the local doctor and be ready to pay in cash. also, they are always busy so if you can't get through at least three days of it with as many meds as you can get at your local asda or other stores then make sure you call and don't let them say no. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | when the warden comes to check you flat once or twice a month and you fail you have to pay. so make sure you pass. mainly just keep it clean. it really racks up when you aren't. and i know that you might not have caused the mess that made you all fail, but you all have to pay if you fail so try to keep them in line too. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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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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? | those who are historically or literar-ily inclined will beneifit more from this experience. they can appreciate the little things, the old charm and the secrets to be discovered. i will say also, before going away, make sure you know exactly what classes you want to take for the semester after you get back. the last thing you want is to be stressed and frustracted waiting up till all hours of the night waiting for the right time to call your advisor back in the states for damage control. im speaking form experience here so i know what im talking about. |
