Learning to live in a culturally diverse area unlike the small college feel. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/10/2013 to 05/05/2013 with

Edge Hill University: Ormskirk - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about many different cultures because I was able to meet other international students from all over the world. I gained independence and confidence in learning how to live in a place much culturally different from where I grew up. I gained friendships with other students in many different countries that will last a lifetime. I was able to learn about their lifestyles and share my own with them.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Ormskirk - Edge Hill University Photo Direct Enrollment: Ormskirk - Edge Hill University Photo Direct Enrollment: Ormskirk - Edge Hill University 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.

The coursework did not seem very challenging, but the grading system was difficult.

* 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:

The city was very safe and welcoming. Ormskirk is a beautiful small town with a wonderful cultural experience. It's also very close to Liverpool, for a big city experience.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $50 a week on food and groceries outside of campus. Extra traveling costs were more for spring break and weekends.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat on campus as much as possible, or only do a few bigger meals in town. When traveling to other countries or even just other cities on weekends and breaks, book travel and hotels in advance.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The culture of Ormskirk, the town.
  • The many travel opportunities by being so close to the European mainland and the rest of the UK.
  • The independence I gained by being completely on my own and out of my comfort zone.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between home and host school
  • Easier process in choosing classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've known how different the culture and accent/language is in the Liverpool area compared to other more well-known areas of England, such as London. I knew it would be very culturally diverse, but the accent was very difficult to understand. But I am glad that I was able to experience such a different lifestyle and see other areas of England.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.