Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I haven't left.. Past Review

By (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 02/16/2017 to 06/30/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Was it worthwhile? It is still my life. I am still here. I have learned how important it is to be open-minded in this life. I have learned who I am and what it is I want out of this life. I have put all judgement aside and I am much more open to creating new friendships with people from all nationalities. I have learned that experience really is everything.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I am now in my THIRD semester with CIS abroad at the University of Newcastle. I wouldn't trade this program for anything.

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 could've done better, personally - but I did expect to spend quite a bit more than I usually do in America.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $100-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan any excursions in advance and account for ALL forms of transportation!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Making new friendships
  • The beautiful places I've been fortunate enough to travel to
  • Newcastle itself - it truly is a beautiful place to live
* What could be improved?
  • More academic advise
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how independent the courses really are. They expect a lot of independent study for the subjects at UoN and it is crucial to stay on top of uni work.

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.'