Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

TAKE ME BACK!!! Past Review

By (Sociology., Loyola University Maryland) - abroad from 09/15/2013 to 06/14/2014 with

Loyola University Maryland: Newcastle upon Tyne -

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an unreal experience by being able to study abroad for a year. You meet the most amazing people and visit some of the most beautiful places. And the best thing is that you meet all these people and keep in touch with them and you'll always have a place to go back to!

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.

Newcastle University was definitely different from Loyola. You go from having your teachers know your name without even trying to you going out of your way to make sure your teacher knows your name. It really makes you work for your grade. You really only have one or two grades that count as your entire grade. Unlike Loyola where you have numerous test, quizzes, attendance, participation points to help make your grade. You have to make sure you are keeping up with the recommended reading so you don't feel overwhelmed come the final!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in off campus housing in St. Mary's. I will admit it was hard at first figuring out the bus system to and from town and class. But come second semester I was a pro at it. And now that I'm home I weirdly miss it!

* Food:

The food is very basic. You can get almost all the same things as if you were in America. It's England, a first world country. You'll find what you want and what you need.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated in the culture and having British flatmates also helped that. By having British flatmates they introduced their cultures to us like Sunday roast nights for tea (dinner).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Such a safe city! I never once felt unsafe!! The people are the friendliest people they say in the whole country. The lights are always lit up on the street taxi's and people always on the streets. The only thing you might get scared of are the cows wandering in fields.

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)

The pound is not a nice conversion rate, and worse than the euro. You definitely have to budget your money well! But food shopping instead of eating out will help you tons!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work all summer long! Forget about summer parties and the bars you are missing I promise you going out in England and over in Europe is so much better! You can always go to bars at home when you are there. Chances like this are so rare so make the most of it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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
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?
  • City life
  • Close access to European countries
  • English speaking (despite the Geordie accent)
* What could be improved?
  • putting students closer together
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't take it for granted because it'll be over in the blink of an eye

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.