England: A time of change and growth Past Review

By (Psychology/Biology, Hamline University) for

ISEP Exchange: Sunderland - Exchange Program at University of Sunderland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a bigger outlook on the world- my world is more than America. I grew in my confidence in myself. I feel that if I can live abroad on my own I can do a lot of things.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the class load to be a lot easier than expected and easier than my home university. It is just a completely different experience. It seemed to me that many of my fellow classmates didn't take the classes all that seriously either. I think it was good, but just different.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host country did a good job of orientating us to the school and city. They seemed to be pretty willing to answer any questions we had and planned field trips for us which was fun. I felt after the orientation period was over that they seemed less accessible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Class was a 20 minute walk away, along with other main places like food stores. I felt relatively safe there. The flats had a bed, closet and desk but were arranged in a way that made it difficult to get to know your other flatmates. You need to buy your own cookware and siliverware although the kitchen did come with an oven and refrigerator.

* Food:

There is a few on campus places to get meals, but most people had to cook their own. I am not the greatest cook so that became a difficulty for me but for those who are good cooks the food is as satisfactory as you make it. The nearby pubs are good places to try if looking to go out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely recommend going on any field trips the University goes on. It is a good way to see amazing things and meet other students who may be international or local.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt that the city was overall pretty safe. I wouldn't recommend going out walking alone and night but I think that is pretty much prevalent anywhere you might go.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To enjoy the most about Sunderland you have to be willing to put yourself out there to make friends. You should be confident in yourself and not be afraid of spending some time alone. It can be challenging but you will grow in confidence because of it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Early Human Development

Course Department: HSS106
Instructor: Kathryn King
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was knowledgeable and I feel like there was more class participation. I didn't find it all that difficult.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Sports Psychology

Course Department: SSP235
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Englsih
Comments: I found this course to be very interesting and more challenging than the other classes. I enjoyed it a lot and felt the teacher was very knowledgeable.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Community Health

Course Department: HSS126
Instructor: Karen Carling
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course wasn't all that challenging. It was interesting because it incorporated many different aspects of health, but relating to the English Health System.
Credit Transfer Issues: