Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Some adventures, several friends, and quite a lot of tea Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2016 to 06/18/2016 with

IFSA: York - University of York

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of independence, problem-solving skills, and self-worth. It was most definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Almost all dining halls were closed during the weekends, and the program to buy meals in advance did not cover lunch.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

IFSA-Butler were helpful, friendly, and professional.

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? £20 or so
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a lot of food such as bread, pasta, vegetables, and rice that you can make quickly and easily.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Independence/self-reliance
  • The friendliness and professionalism of IFSA-Butler
  • Being amongst English culture
* What could be improved?
  • Not making students wait until the very end of term to meet with their tutors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing in particular comes to mind

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!