Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rain clouds cannot get in the way of a unique experience Past Review

By (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/29/2014 to 06/08/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be a better independent learner, how to seek out growing experiences, and how to navigate a very different social culture. Yes, it was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 pounds

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

  • 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?
  • I liked being able to live and learn in a society that is in conflict, yet one that remains relatively non-violent
  • I liked being in a "quiet", small city that felt quite rural
  • I liked how our program was composed of a small group of students. We got to know each other very well and were close from the start.
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication from the program prior to students' arrival. Students weren't informed about the living situation or spring holiday dates before their arrival in Belfast.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the program's excursion dates

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!