Friends, Adventure, and Taking Chances Past Review
By Annalise K (PSYCHOLOGY., Austin College) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
Central College Abroad: Bangor - Bangor University
I think this experience was definitely worthwhile. I gained lots of memories and experiences that I had never had before, got to travel a lot, and made wonderful friends with people around the globe. I feel more confident in myself and have a greater understanding and tolerance of the world around me.
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. |
I did not feel very educationally stimulated by the structure of the classes at Bangor University. I think this problem stems from the style of the UK education system; I need more structure than just going to one class per day throughout the week did not provide enough for me to do compared to what I was used to in America. The classes through Central College program (Intro to History & Culture of Wales and Outdoor Pursuits) were great, though. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Tecwyn was very helpful at providing travel advice, helping with class issues, and anything else we needed. He's great!!! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The showers in my flat were strange and kind of annoying, but other than that I really enjoyed my room & my living situation! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved getting to know the people that I lived with and others that I randomly met, but sometimes had a hard time being social with others in my classes and other situations. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had an experience where I needed healthcare and went to the free clinic provided by the university; I was satisfied with the service. |
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| 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? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make meals with other people to split the cost; get a 16-25 Rail card for discounts on train journeys, and fly RyanAir or Easy Jet for cheap flights. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I knew just how rainy it was going to be in Wales, and I wish I had expected the students in my program to know each other. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
