Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience of Breathtaking Travel & Introspection. Past Review

By (History And English, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/28/2014 to 06/07/2014 with

Queen's University Belfast: Belfast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad at Queen's Belfast taught me so much about what divides and unites people in different areas, about myself, about finances, and about self-reliance. I was extremely impressed with the program, the people, and Belfast as a whole, and would immediately recommend the program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was extremely impressed with the Queen's academic experience. The classes were stimulating, and the professors were captivating and engaged.

* 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?

* 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)

One of the things I appreciated most about my program was learning about budgeting and living in a minimalist fashion.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly 20 pounds per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Any budget or preparation depends upon what level of living you require in a given situation: its far easier to save money if you require less.

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
* 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?
  • Independence
  • Academic Rigor
  • Eye-Opening experiences
* What could be improved?
  • The weather
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before going, I wish I had known more about budgeting: as it is, the entire experience acted as a vast seminar for this and other of my deficiencies in such areas.