Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best thing I have ever done in my life! Past Review

By (BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES., St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 05/15/2012 to 07/24/2012 with

St. Cloud State University: Alnwick - St. Cloud in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a great love for England and its rich culture and history. I loved finding out new things everyday. I learned more on this trip about myself than I have for a long time and I will always treasure the time I spent in England.

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 courses were challenging, interesting and were directly related to our weekly field trips. The only downside was the amount of time we were in England. Since it was a summer program, the courses had to be condensed in order to fit all of the required field trips and homework in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program in England was fantastic. The professors were knowledgeable in their subjects and they were very approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good accommodations.

* Food:

Great food, lots of variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Felt very comfortable with England's culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt completely comfortable in Alnwick. It is a very safe and welcoming community.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Field trips to historic locations
  • Ability to travel to many different countries
  • Diversity of topics discussed in classes
* What could be improved?
  • Lighten the class load in the summer program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that I should have taken more opportunities to explore the places that we visited. I would have been able to learn so much more if I had branched out and traveled more.