Rewarding and, at times, frustrating term in Canterbury, England. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I decided to give the overall educational experience 3 stars because, although I enjoyed my classes, the structure of the exchange program (being only 3 months) was not compatible with the year-long modules offered at Canterbury Christ Church University. Being thrown into a class that has already been in session for a term can be difficult at times, and the coursework that the exchange student must do (unless you are in one of the specific exchange modules) is different than that of the other students. Although I felt challenged in the 2 courses I had with other British students, it could feel, at times, isolating only being there for such a short period of time. In addition, 2 out of the 4 courses I was in was only for the American exchange students. I didn't find the classes to be very rigorous, and I would have preferred as much integration as possible with other local students.

On-site administration of your program

The host country program administration was one of the best parts of the program. I felt that the administration made a lot of effort to include the American students. The only issue was that a lot of the events took place on weekend evening which was when a lot of the exchange students traveled.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although I ended up being good friends with my 3 flatmates, I was very frustrated by the housing situation. The Americans were placed in housing together which made it very hard for exchange students to really get to know local students. I was placed in housing with the other student from my home school, a student from Illinois, and a student from Arkansas. At times, it was like I never left America. Luckily I, by chance, was able to become good friends with a group of local students. But I know for a lot of the American students, they did not form friendships with students from CCCU. I know it is hard to throw international students here for a short time into housing with local students, but integration with Erasmus students would be very beneficial.

I made food on my own in the kitchen provided in my flat and it worked out very well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although I was very integrated with the local culture, I would not say that it had anything to do with the program. The program itself does not offer many integration opportunities with the locals.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any personal experience with healthcare, but I know of an American exchange student in my program who very easily accessed healthcare.

I felt more safe in Canterbury than I do in my home institution's city.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Because of the exchange rate, it is much more expensive in England and a student budget does not get you as far as it does in America. I liked not being forced to have a meal plan at CCCU. I spent much more money on living expenses than I anticipated.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Administration
• Location

• Exchange student integration
• Housing