England: They speak American, right? Past Review
By Nissa B (English & Math, Hamline University) for
Hamline University: York - University of York
Studying abroad has always been something my parents told me I HAD to do and I am glad that I did. It's fun to come back and see how many conversations end up bringing up places you have been so you can say "I lived there for a while." It's also a good segway into future travel. Afterwards you know more of what you want to see and how you want to go about seeing it, you also know that you want to see more at all costs. Last, it's a good way to step back and see how the world sees you, being from America everyone has their view of you. It makes you aware of how ridiculous some Americans are and strongly encourages you to change that view.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The set up for class was quite different, lecture and discussion were separate for me. The amount of time in a classroom was drastically smaller than here, but the amount of work expected was very similar. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Well versed in experiences we may have and highly involved in our getting acclimated. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a building slated to be torn down, my ceiling slanted in towards the middle of the building, there was no heat at first, the kitchen was growing all sorts of things. |
| * Food: |
When I had to make my own food I had little money but could make due. When the cafeterias changed things up a bit it was nice, yet I miss the monotonous food they served now. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Well, we were in London during the election so that was pretty memorable. There was also the difference in when Mother's Day occurs that through some people for a loop. :) |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
It was a pretty safe area, I could walk around alone during the day without a problem, but as with most large cities it was best not to walk alone at night. If you need to go to hospital at all, they may accuse you of abusing free health care but if you are ill, you are ill. |
| 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? | On average I probably spent 30 to 40 pounds a week (about 50 to 65 dollars), but that includes averaging travel expenses and loads of shopping. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You WILL have an extra suitcase on the way back so plan for the expense at the airport. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is right for you if you want to get out and see the world without as much of a challenge in terms of language. Things are different in the Motherland, but it's a very exciting experience. Plus you can meet loads of foreign cuties. |
