Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Different and Better than Expected Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 06/12/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Chester - Exchange Program at University of Chester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I learned that I can be so much more than I thought I was. I thought my shyness would get in the way for me having a good time and I worried that I wouldn't be able to make friends. I wish I spent less time worrying and was more confident in myself.

Review Photos

ISEP: Chester - University of Chester Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes, especially grading, were very different than back home so it is hard to say whether they were harder or easier. There was less work on average, but final assesments were difficult becuase I only took the classes for half of the term (since they were full year classes).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It seemed very disorganized at times and it was hard to get information, but it all worked out in the end.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a house with three other girls and it was very nice. But I think the experience could have been a bit better if I was in a larger house like most of the other girls in the program.

* Food:

I was self catered, so that added difficulty. And the girls who ate at the cafeteria everyday had an easier time connecting with eachother. So I would suggest a meal plan to anyone wishing to study at Chester.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very difficult to connect with British students becuase I lived in accomidation with all Americans and pretty much only hung out with other internation atudents outside of class. But we did get a taste of British culture through class and going out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

Chester felt like an extremely safe city. We freely walked around at night in groups with no worries. The area near the train station may be a bit frightening, but if you are not alone then you are prbably fine.

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)

I spent the equivalent of 35 US Dollars on food each week when not traveling and didn't have many other expenses. When traveling throughout England and abroad it was much harder to keep expenses down.

* 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? About 50 US Dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a student rail card, it will pay for itself very quickly.If you are on a meal plan go grocery shopping once a week becuase the cafeteria is closed on the weekend and going out is pricey. Bring one large notebook from home. School supplies are rediculously priced and you won't need to take as many noted as in the US.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city of Chester
  • The other International Students I met
  • Traveling throughout the UK, Ireland, and Italy
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to make connection with locals
  • Living in a house with more people
  • Classes that are better suited for taking for one semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone wants to make friends. Get a cell phone on the first day and exchange numbers with new friends. Don't be afraid to join in.