Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best 5 Weeks of my Life Past Review

By (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 06/05/2016 to 07/09/2016 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Grantham - English Literary Landscapes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better self of myself. Being a graduating Senior, I was terrified of what the world would have in store for me after graduation. This trip helped me to see that I am capable of finding my way. I had no idea what I was doing when I stepped off the plane in a foreign country. For the first time, my parents weren't a phone call away. I had to rely on my own skills and learn how to use the resources around me to get the best out of my experience, and I did. I am now sure that I can survive as a "real adult" past graduation because if I can make my way around London and Dublin for days on end with no internet access and only my wits to survive, I can do anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at Harlaxton Manor are so nice and welcoming. They're willing to help with anything you need from a local place to grab dinner to tips for your weekend getaway.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorm-style bathrooms with public showers and toilets were a bummer but the rooms were a good size and the manor was always clean and welcoming.

* Food:

Basically dining hall food but with an English twist (so a lot less preservatives).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Grantham is used to having students from the states year round so the locals are very helpful and willing to chat with you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick, but my roommate did. The manor nurse had all the basics covered and anything she didn't have we could find with a pharmacist in town.

* Safety:

There's a local taxi service that has a special discount for Harlaxton students and will get you safely anywhere you want to get to in town for pretty cheap. The area was very safe anyway and we had no problems walking around in the day or at night.

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

The Harlaxton program brought me countless priceless memories. I fulfilled a life-long dream to travel to Europe and I built up my confidence while building strong friendships that will last a lifetime.

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 spent a good chunk of change while abroad on my travel expenses for my weekend travels and on souvenirs but I like to shop quite a bit.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400 on average including travel expenses, food, and souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving the moment you start thinking about going. Also, plan out your weekend travels months in advance. The sooner you get your tickets (plane, train, etc.) the less you will have to worry about money while abroad and the more you can experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Getting to know my fellow students better
  • Seeing how the world interacts politically and socially
  • The AMAZING scenery
* What could be improved?
  • Financial preparedness for students
  • Dining options for special diets (vegetarians, vegans, gluten free, etc.)
  • It should be longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Five weeks goes by very quickly. Drink in every moment.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!