Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Magnificent British Expedition! Past Review

By (History and Geography, University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 09/21/2011 to 06/08/2012 with

Keele University: Staffordshire - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So so so much about myself, where I am from, where I went, other people in the world, and how amazing it is to interact with others from various places. It was MORE than worthwhile!

Review Photos

Exchange: Staffordshire - Keele University Photo Exchange: Staffordshire - Keele University Photo Exchange: Staffordshire - Keele University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We're all more comfortable with what we are used to-- after studying in England, though, I was able to decide that I really was much more comfortable with the American education system, and that I prefer it, too. Any resources weren't widely expressed, and there were far fewer. The classes weren't particularly hard or intense-- they were at just about the correct level-- but they were usually quite lack-luster and it was hard to pay attention. However, this is a very personal evaluation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always there and ready to help! Friendly with PLENTY of events planned for the international students. I was very pleased with the administration-- especially for the International Program. I was quite involved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everyone had a single dorm, and the dorms were far cheaper than at UTSA-- a good deal, if you ask me. However, mine was a bit far, but I didn't mind so much, nice exercise!

* Food:

The food in England was average. Just average.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt VERY integrated into the culture. I had no problems making English friends, and I felt very accepted. It was a fantastic experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Universal Healthcare! It was perfect. The GPs could be a bit cold at times, not always as jovial and warm as GPs seem to be in the US, but they weren't particularly rude. For free healthcare and cheap antibiotics, though, I was not bothered! I ended up with tonsillitis, and was quickly received and provided with antibiotics for a flat rate that was definitely affordable. Even when I accompanied a friend to A&E for heart palpitations, the doctors were thorough-- and the visit was FREE!

* Safety:

I never had any issues, and I NEVER felt unsafe. There were a few incidents that happened in my hall of residence, but they were mostly freak incidents-- as in, a student with psychosis had an episode and attacked another student, and quite a few alcohol related injuries. But police regularly patrolled the area, and they had safety busses, security, and so on to alleviate risk.

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 had about $500 a month, $125 a week. It was relatively comfortable compared to some of my friends, but due to the exchange rate, I only ended up with £65 a week... which was sometimes difficult in England.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* 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? £35-40 on food, which left me with £20-30 for everything else.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget. Budget budget budget. And pay attention to your money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I studied Russian here, and while I was often encouraged to practice, I was only able to practice speaking with others once a week.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No previous training
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Broke me out of my comfort zone
  • It allowed me to make MANY new and amazing friends
  • It allowed me to see so much of Europe-- a dominant part of the world.
* What could be improved?
  • Not terribly much.
  • Aside from personal things and things out of EAS' control, I can't think of anything to improve.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In all honesty, I probably would have originally chosen to go somewhere else had I known my Hazlewood exemption would not work-- that had been a huge deciding factor on whether or not to go to England, and while I am ENTIRELY and GREATLY pleased with my experience, I wish I had understood that my financial aid would not work like I originally thought.