Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I have made friends for life and will never forget my 6 months in York. Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

IFSA: York - University of York

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a new culture, made life long friends, gained a new way of writing essays/papers. It was the best experience of my life. I plan to go back and will try and visit once a year.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of York
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most work was completely dependent on the student doing outside work/reading independently. Teachers expected much more out of students without specifically telling the students to do outside reading. Only about two papers made up the student's entire grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My study abroad administration was always available and helpful when I needed to talk or if I had a question.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing! I had my own room/bathroom. I shared a kitchen with 7 other people. I got to know my flatmates really well and I liked them a lot so that made a huge difference on my rating.

* Food:

I had to buy and prepare my own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very accepted and integrated into the culture of the community of York. People were overall very helpful and friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I cannot really answer this question because I did not need to visit a doctor during my visit.

* Safety:

I always felt safe and secure no matter where I was or what time it was.

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)

It was hard to manage money if you wanted to go out and travel.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When going out do not take all the money you have with you; you will be tempted to spend it all. Take only the amount that you would be okay spending.

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
  • 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?
  • Made sure I got to University
  • Checking up on us throughout the year
  • very organized and kept me informed every step of the way
* What could be improved?
  • orientation should be closer to university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be very hard leaving the friends you make while abroad. It is difficult to balance the social and academic aspects of University.