Sheffield: The Best 5 Months of My Life Past Review
By Kala K (International/Global Studies., Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for
Sheffield Hallam University: Sheffield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was very worthwhile and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I became more aware of the world and different cultures. From my experience I have gained many new friends as well as a boyfriend and traveled to many different countries, as well as around England. Because of my experience I have decided to go back to Sheffield for graduate school and then to work there for some time after I graduate.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had three assignments and two exams during the time I studied in Sheffield and never had homework, however the tutors were more open and laid-back than they are in America which made going to class more enjoyable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sheffield Hallam made enrollment easy and also had an orientation that was very helpful. Also, when I had a question or problem it was very easy to get in touch with the coordinator. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the Trigon and it was very close to campus, as well as nightlife, shopping and entertainment. I felt very safe where I lived and met a lot of friends in the building. The building was newer and was the nicest student housing I've ever lived in. When I got there I had to buy bedding and bathroom things, but my flatmates had everything else so that's all I needed to purchase. |
| * Food: |
England doesn't have the best cuisine, but if you buy food and cook yourself it's the same as being at home. I also liked the ready meals that are easy to find in grocery stores and the indian takeaways were really nice. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program did not provide any trips or events, I did everything on my own once I got to England. I made friends and just did the normal things that they do. We went to Alton Towers, ice skating, played sports on sundays, cooked together, went out at night, went shopping and so on. I believe I preferred being able to do everything on my own and live with locals because I had a real cultural experience; I didn't go to England to be around Americans all of the time, I could have stayed home for that. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe in Sheffield and at night there were always police out, and I always traveled with at least one other person. I actually felt safer there than I do at IUP when out at night. It was easy to get healthcare because of the NHS and it was also very cheap. I didn't have any problems when I was ill getting to a doctor or getting a prescription. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | United States |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say that to do this program you have to be independent and ready for change. I had to find my own housing once I got to England, get to Sheffield on my own, live with all British people, find my way around Sheffield, and adjust to a whole different culture. I only had one American friend when I was there but I loved it because I went there for a change and loved being thrown into a completely culture on my own, but if you are afraid to be on your own or don't want to be the only American don't chose this program. |
Comments
Reverse Culture Shock, although unplesant, is very common. The IUP Re-entry or Returnee Reception is planned to address such issues and we encourage all returnees to attend.
deleted-1725984372IUP September 21, 2010
