Study Abroad in Newcastle for an Independent and Genuine Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable and allowed for travelling. Most classes did not have mandatory attendance or weekly assignments so it was easy to travel when needed. The entire class grade is based on 1-2 assignments at the end of the semester so plan ahead. A little group work, which was a great way to meet people and make friends. The other students in the modules have all their classes together so they tend to know each other very well, but they are open to meeting new students and are very nice if you ask for help. Very similar classes to the United States (lectures and seminars, etc.), and lecture notes are all posted online which is very convenient.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was accessible to the study abroad students but I never used it. I did check in with the office once a fortnight so they could make sure I was still on campus. However, the program was very independent. There was not very much of an orientation or instructions on how to get settled. They were available to advise and did assist me with a few financial issues over the email. I wanted an independent experience so this was ok with me, I was treated just like the other students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I registered for my flat through an online program after I was accepted into Northumbria. I chose the flat I was in (Winn Studios) because it was new and close to campus. My flatmates were all British students which was exactly what I wanted and was a great way to become immersed into the country. I did need to buy linens and cookware during the first week of my arrival, but the residence hall sold me sheets, a duvet, and pillows for £30. One thing that was very different is that the housing manager tours the common areas of each flats once a week to ensure proper cleaning and leaves warnings of fines if her requirements are not met (although even the British students say this is a bit extreme). The flatmates were not warned of my arrival but were very open to showing me around and were the people I became closest to in Newcastle. The facilities are extremely nice, (I highly recommend the en suite bathroom) and the location was 5 minutes off of campus. A little far from the night clubs but the taxis in Newcastle are extremely inexpensive so it was never a big deal.

There are a plethora of discount grocery stores all over Newcastle (I preferred the Morrison's store on Newbridge) and they all offered a great selection of food. It seems that many students (especially the first year students living in the student housing) prefer cooking every night to going out but there are many restaurants in Newcastle if it strikes your fancy. The Living Room near Grays Monument is a great formal place to eat (I highly recommend the steak for £24) for special occasions and Nancy's (which is just off of Northumbria's campus) is a cheap place to grab delicious supper or drinks (A meal with a drink will be around £6), they are very student-friendly as well!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went to Dublin for Saint Patrick's Day with a student tour group (Andy Steves' Weekend Student Adventures) and that was an amazing experience, I highly recommend that tour group for travelling. There were not many big cultural events in Newcastle during the time I was there but the nightlife was always amazing (I recommend going out during the week rather than the weekend to avoid high prices and the not-student crowd). The study abroad program did not organize any travelling events (that I knew of) but Northumbria's Student Union offered day trips to places such as Edinburgh and Leeds for a low price (One Planet trips, usually around £14) that were fun, but I recommend bringing a friend because they were not very inclusive to solo travelers.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Newcastle is a very safe place, I have not heard of any negative events safety wise so far. It is always smart to go out with other people and keep an eye on your drink, but most of the other people in night clubs are also students just looking to have fun as well. I honestly have no idea how healthcare works for international students here. I was given no knowledge of where to go if I had an issue or how to handle it. I have been lucky with that aspect, but I'm sure the program office will help you if you need it.

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

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

• Interaction with locals
• Independent
• Less intensive course work

• No guidance on where to go for health issues
• Expensive
• No student trips organized for study abroad students