Take Me Back To Chester! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were very rigorious compare to anything I have done in USA. Most classes consisted of one essay and one unseen or seen written exam. ( for the full academic year sep-Jun). Because of this there is alot of indepenent studying that is required. However, professors were all super nice and extremely knowledge about thier field. They were all very approachable if I needed to ask them question. They give you all the resources such as exam reviews and detail assignments outlines. Unlike USA university, they don't offer a writting center, but I used my Home University's online writing center. However, they have a massive library that is OPEN 24/7!!!!!! which was amazing and they have the required textbooks at the library so you dont have to buy your textbooks. I had ADHD and they were amazing at making sure that I recieved the accominations (UK: Inclusion plan) that I needed such as extended time during my exams. This made a massive difference in my academics! They Posted all the PPT online which was extermily helpful! Them written exams are harder then in the USA, but they give the resources needed to be successful.

On-site administration of your program

The international center was amazing! They arranged transportation from the airport to the university. They also sent a pre-deporture booklet that was very helpful! Throughtout the year, they organized field trips for international students to places such as the lake district, wales, and york! My study abroad advisor was extremely help and would offten check up to see how I was doing and if I need anything. I saw her go beyond to help her students especially to my friend when she was home sick and jet lagged. You can tell that she truly cares about her students. She made a huge difference in my experience because she is a true legend! Everytime I would go into the international centre, they would always super nice and helpful!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in John Milton. I wasnt impressed with the building the first time I saw it but I had keep in mind the dorms in my home institution were built in early 2000's compare to historic chester building. the building was similar to any college dorms where you living with many students ( some international students were placed in houses) I lived with other americans on my floor, but 90% of everyone else were either british or european. Each room had their own shower. decent size. Shared kitchen, but you had staff that would come and clean up every week. Only thing that I disliked was the fact that there were no washing matching located in the building so I had to walk to uni and had to pay to wash my clothes. There are no RA, which I personally liked because it gives you freedom. Overall, I loved John milton! I met my 2 best friend there and I got along with everyone in the builiding. the british were nice and welcoming. Felt like we were a family #JohnMIltonFam!

They gave you a cash stipend every two weeks which was amazing! It was you alot of freedom. I didnt spend alot on food (~30pound per week) and got to spend the remainer of my stipend on whaterever I wanted (I could easily live 2 week with the stipend alone). There so many places to in chester! Tesco was only a 15min beautiful walk. There was an app that gave you student discounts to many local food places.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are so many ways to get involved! I joined two societies and that made a MASSIVE difference in my experience at chester. They allow me to become friend with the british and the societies had weekly socials that were so much fun! By the end, I felt more like a proper british. I integrated very well in to cumminty but it was thanks to all the friends I made along the way. Chester itsels is extremely welcoming to the university students and to the international students. I felt part of the community.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was super simple to signed up for a GP. It was within a 7min walk from where I was living. I went several times and my favorite part is that I didnt have to pay. I just went in and got out and my GP was super kind too. I had to take my friend to the ER more than twice and the wait time was never too bad considering it was FREE for him compare to the insane prices of ER in USA . Having acesss is to the HNS is something I miss now that i am back in the USA and dont have health insurance, everything is extremely over priced in the USA.

I felt completely safe in Chester! I felt safe walking all alone the streets of chester at 3am (note I a women). Not once did i felt like i was in any danger. Everyone looks after each other. all the streets are very well lit and at night there is usually police accessible in the streets.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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