Sunderland: A Trip to Remember Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that the workload was extremely light. I am used to taking six or seven classes at one time, and I was told that I could only take three in Sunderland because they were so timely. I hardly had homework, but when I did I did not feel very stressed about it. I was glad though that I had more time to travel because of the smaller course load, so I am thankful for that. The grading system was not explained well to me until I looked it up, I received at 63 on something and I was so upset, then someone mentioned that is a really good grade. I was shocked. I liked learning about the different teaching methods, and I was certainly out of my element with such a large school.

On-site administration of your program

There were some good services, for instance there was a trip planned to York which was really nice. However, contacting people in their office was challenging because they wouldn't let us go to their office, they would have to meet us downstairs. I always wondered why we couldn't go to their office.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish that the housing would have been closer to the campus, classes, and areas for where people actually hang out. It seems very far off the beaten path. I was fortunate to have someone give me free cookware when I arrived, so that was great! Safetywise, I did not feel too safe there for quite a while. I eventually got used to it though, and I never would walk on my own in that area at night.

I usually bought my own food with a meal stipend. A few extra pounds would have been helpful because I mainly ate mean that cost 1 pound each, which isn't much. There was a place nearby called Murtha's Fish and Chips and it was honestly the best place I found for food! I loved it! Also, getting a card at Iceland was helpful so I could save money on all the frozen food I bought. It would have been nice to have a place with Mexican food, or even just tex-mex, but I worked around it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was a trip organized to York and it was brilliant! I loved it so much, and it was great that it was so early in the year so I could meet people. I wish they organized more of those events in a semester. It would keep people talking to each other and exploring places we may not have thought to go to.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a hospital right across from where I lived. Very close. When I needed it I had not registered for a doctor (definetly my fault because I had been told to in advance but I thought I wouldn't need it). Everyone should listen to that advice and sign up right away so when you need it you will be prepared. The NHS was different for me because I am not used to waiting to be seen and then just being told to "come back in three weeks if your voice isn't back". I wanted some sort of prescription and I was shocked to not get something to cure it.

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

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students
• Americans

Select all that apply

• Local Students