England: A Dream Come True, With memorable Life Experiences, Academically, Socially and Culturally Past Review
By Shawana C (Media: TV/Film, Clark Atlanta University) for
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Ormskirk - Edge Hill University
I made lifetime friends, I have learned a lot about my self and other cultures. Academically it was challenging and it has opened my mind on what I want to do in my future plans. I have learned a lot more about the TV/Film industry that will help me get a job. My interest in the field that I study has broaden which makes me more well rounded.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Edge Hill University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work that was given was more geared towards independent studies. The grading was very different I really didn't understand it. The teaching methods was really fun, but challenging at the same time. I really like the fact that we work on project more then having tests every day/week. I enjoyed that we had to submit a portfolio or reflective essay for each class at the end of the term. It was easier for me to keep track of everything that I worked on during the module. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All information was given to me in advance so I was aware of all support services and I was able to get everything done. I was knowledge about the country and the classes sizes were perfect. I felt that I had a one on one connection and relationship with my tutor and all of my expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The accommodation came to me as a shock because I didn't know it was going to be an actual dormitory. They put all the Americans in the back halls which were set up as "Hostels" and all of the other international students (e.g. Germans, Nigerians, South Koreans, etc.) in the front halls which were much nicer. There were plenty of places to eat from but I ate mostly in the hub which was easier to access because it was close to the back halls. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a trip to Wales and they had plenty of events for the International Students which was very fun. I learned about bon-fire night which is held on November 5 and it is similar to the USA 4th of July where they have fireworks and they celebrate their history. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The safety was good on campus because they had "night wards" out 24 hours a day. In the town near by they had these people dressed up in uniforms called "pastor watchers" which was interesting because I did not understand why they were out so late at night and what their purpose were. I finally found out that they were there to assist the drunk people home after hours. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My classmates, It was not a host country language I just took Mandarin as a module. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Be passionate, open minded and ready for a rewarding experience. You have to be an ambitious individual who is ready for a challenge and open to new things. |
