I feel much more secure and capable after my study abroad and internship in York Past Review

By Amanda G (Comm Studies, Hamline University) for

Hamline University: York - University of York

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I would do it again in a heart beat. I made lots of friends, one of which is coming to visit next winter! I really feel much more secure and capable then I thought I was. I think I really underestimated how well I could take care of myself when on my own for the first time. But really if you can manage to survie getting lost in another country, not crying, and finding your way back your probably pretty well set!

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	It was diffrent from the American format of education but it was a valuable experiance to see what it is like to have an education which has a more hands off aproach.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I loved that we had a Hamline prof with us the first month! So helpful to have Susie with us to help us understand the lay out of the city and the campus.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was in my own room in a dorm buiding called Halifax College. 10 people one shower, 2 toliets. Once we got keeping the kitchen in a semi neat order things were just fine. Everyone got a long well and people were respectful of other peoples space and things. <br /><br /> I got on really well with my house mates which made a massive difference. We got to be good friends and are still in touch. Had we not gotten on it would have been fine too since we only shared the kitchen and bathrooms and not our own rooms.
* Food:	Food that I bought at the pub was great! However the school food was kind of gross. The meats tended to be under or over cooked, I ate the vegitarian options more often then not.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Had a wonderful time, food was great, their shows were fun, the city I was in was full of music all the time in the center. The fashion I liked alot too.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt just fine in my area, the health of some of the other people was a little uncertain due to the mass amount of bindge drinking that goes on on campus.
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?	Easily 30 pounds a week on food is more then doable as long as you budget, but if you want to have fun and go to the pub for dinner make it more like 50. Plus bus fair if its raining, closer to 60.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	write down everything you spend, it'll really help you to keep track. Also when you in London, do not just jump and buy the crap in the gift shops, you can get the same things in every town/city gift store and for cheaper. London = money pit.

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	Dorm
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Budget your money and spend it on things that you'll really enjoy. Walk to the intership if you can, save cash on bus fare and treat yourself to an Ale at the end of the day. The english have great ales and bitters. If your going to bring something nice to wear just make it one nice thing or something that you can dress up or down so that you save some space on the lugage. Also, be sure to get the air port super early when you go and leave for home. Don't let yourself get caught up in drinking if you don't want to. The pressure will be laid on you since the culture is one that lives in the pubs.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Womens History in England 1800-1900
Course Department:
Instructor:	Susie Stinbach
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I am a womens studies minor so this class suited me very well. It was taught by a Hamline prof. so it wasn't in the UK mold. But it was a great way to segway into the culture by having a class on its history.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Language and Institutions
Course Department:	Soci.
Instructor:	Paul Drew
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a very hands off class as far as the prof was concerend. Based on papers and some class disscusion and presentations. I am a Comm Studies major, its imporant for American students to know that taking a Comm. Studies class in the UK will actually be a Soci. class. Could have used a bit more explaination throughout, the prof was very fair though and willing to explain after class.
Credit Transfer Issues: