Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life changing experience, where I learned so much! Past Review

By (Theatre, Mount Holyoke College) - abroad from 09/13/2016 to 06/06/2017 with

IFSA: Canterbury - University of Kent

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about logistics of traveling, as I went on a few trips in addition to Canterbury. I learned how to budget and how to really self motivate. And I learned all about another culture, and heard about many different experiences from my other international friends, and adventures.

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.

The program in general was great and I loved the school. The work load was surprisingly light in comparison to my home university though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Provided a fantastic orientation and support throughout the year.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At the beginning I did not like my dorm and roommates very much, but second semester I moved housing easily and was very happy as I was able to move in with my friends.

* Food:

There were a few places to eat on campus that were all very nice, but we had kitchens and no meal plans so I did pretty much all my own cooking.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I ended up being friends with mostly international students as there were not a too many cultural events or English centered events that we were able to go to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was an on campus health center that was easily accessible and helpful when I needed them.

* Safety:

I always felt safe on campus even though it was a big school, and even in Canterbury town I also felt very safe as there were always people around. There of course were a few people that seemed dangerous but I was never approached in a way that made me too scared.

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

I loved my school it was so different from my home University and it was very interesting to see that difference. I loved the friends I made, who I will know for a long time. England and Canterbury are beautiful and inspired me beyond explanation.

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)

Since I was not on a meal plan I had to spend a good amount of money on food, and England is expensive. I also spent money on traveling and going out with my friends.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About an average of $90 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? create lists of things that you need. Plan out your meals at the beginning of the week, and have some staple foods to have around that wont go bad. Talk to your roommates see if you can share expenses if that makes sense for the house, like pans and spices and such.

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?
  • Location
  • People
  • Opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • more cultural events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Exactly how expensive England is, and more specifically how the work load is distributed. (little to no course work with one paper and an exam)

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 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.