Northumbria; amazing city, interesting experiences Past Review

By (Gegoraphy, Frostburg State University) for

Northumbria University: Newcastle Upon Tyne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have started considering graduate schools abroad.

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.

The workload was considerably smaller, the grading system was more challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Classes are conducted differently. They are primarily seminar-based. It was quite a transition, however I feel I have grown as an individual having taken their classes. I received a lot of help from the faculty. The classes were larger than what I am used to, averaging 40 students in the smaller classes and around 100 in the larger ones. The course exceeded my expectations.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The city of Newcastle is safer than most of the United States' cities of any size. I felt comfortable walking alone at night to the library. I never felt threatened. I lived in Knoll Court. I shared a flat with another American, and individuals from Germany, Maylaysia, Australia, China, and Thailand. The building was close to my campus, only a few minute walk, and also close to night life. I needed to purchase bedding items and cookware upon arrival... I brought all of my hygiene and make up products from the United States.

* Food:

I'm a vegetarian and I found it somewhat difficult to find food which accomodated my diet. Also, much of the packaged food there contains more sodium than food in the United States. I recommend going to Akenside, located just off the river Tyne, at least once. They have amazing food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I took several trips to other countries while I was in the UK. I went to France, Brussels, and The Netherlands. All of my trips were memorable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Most of the safety related incidents involved breaking and entering and theft. Very few violent crimes. As long as you keep your windows locked, there should be no problem.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The class structure
  • The library
  • The class materials, (i.e., reading lists)
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Geography students

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Geopolitics of Ethnic Identities

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Kye Askins, Dr. Graham Mowl
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Amazing. I highly recommend this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: