Great friends, great memories- a great Great Britain experience Past Review

By (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 02/28/2013 to 03/09/2013 with

Presbyterian College: United Kingdom - England Maymester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While in Great Britain, we sang in cathedrals. The experience was like no other and helped we grow as a musician.

Review Photos

Presbyterian University: United Kingdom - Faculty Led Tour: Great Music, Great Buildings, Great Places- Great Britain  Photo Presbyterian University: United Kingdom - Faculty Led Tour: Great Music, Great Buildings, Great Places- Great Britain  Photo Presbyterian University: United Kingdom - Faculty Led Tour: Great Music, Great Buildings, Great Places- Great Britain  Photo Presbyterian University: United Kingdom - Faculty Led Tour: Great Music, Great Buildings, Great Places- Great Britain  Photo Presbyterian University: United Kingdom - Faculty Led Tour: Great Music, Great Buildings, Great Places- Great Britain  Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need any additional vaccines for the program.

* Safety:

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)

Because I spent only a week abroad, we ate out for most meals, and paid to have full days. Admission fees to all the sites we saw as a group were paid for up front, which was fantastic.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250

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

The language was English.... so I guess this is null and void.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Look up the different colloquialisms before you go. They speak English, and they aren't wrong.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meals both independently and as a group
  • Getting my money's worth
* What could be improved?
  • Ticketing snafus leaving Scotland
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The thicker and more rubbery the soles of your shoes, the better. The cobblestone streets are an experience of their own. If you wear colors that are not some variation of black, gray, or navy, you are going to stick out. If you can't handle that, rethink your wardrobe. If you are don't mind not blending in, you're good to go. A rain jacket is better than an umbrella everyday... because it is either windy or rainy almost everyday.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!