Living and Learning in Canterbury Past Review
By Sarah V (Biology - secondary education, Illinois State University) for
Canterbury Christ Church University: Canterbury - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Studying abroad was certainly worth it. I would absolutely do it again if I could rewind time. It's given me a better understanding of what I'm capable of; I feel more self-confident and know that I can travel in a foreign country, meet people, and have fun. I know I can make goals and achieve them. I can absolutely control my experience of the world. I feel more aware of my place in the world and the role I could choose to play in it. I plan to pursue my same career of teaching, but with a new perspective and confidence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes had no work due throughout the semester until a final long paper due on our last day of classes. Our grades are based on that single assignment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a house with about 25 other American students, a few Russian students, and one British tutor. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program included several field trips that showed us important areas and aspects of our host country and city. These trips were not part of our classes, but were mandatory for the American students studying there. They allowed us to get to know the area, learn about the history, and make friends with people like ourselves. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Canterbury is a very safe city and the neighborhood I lived in was very quiet and family friendly. I never had, nor heard of, any issues with safety; except that a homeless guy slept on the bench by our front door a few times. He never caused a problem and the police were called, but decided not to do anything about him because he wasn't a threat. I didn't use the health care, but it was explained in the orientation at the host school. There were no prevalent health issues. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $15 a week on groceries, not including the occasions I would eat out at a restaurant. I stayed in a self-catering housing unit where I cooked most of my meals. Groceries were available at a cheap price from the local store. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget any trips you intend on going on. I traveled nearly every weekend and spent between $150-600 dollars on any single trip. |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be open-minded. Life moves at a slower pace in England. A self-motivated student willing to relax and enjoy the experiences and meet people would benefit most. |
