Wales: A World Away from Home Past Review
By Amanda P (Travel & Tourism, St. Cloud State University) for
St. Cloud State University: Traveling – Wales Castles, Crags and Coastlines
It was well worth the money. I made great friends over there and planb on going back to visit. I have a more mature love of Rugby now, and also can't wait to go spend some more times on the few things I missed. The castles are amazingly beautiful, and the history there is remarkable.
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. |
It was a life changing trip. I recommend everyone goes. It's not the normal destination for those traveling to the UK, but it was a great surprise. Lots of daily outdoor activities and the culture will put a new perspective on life for you. I would move there in a heartbeat if I had the money and a job lined up. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Al the housing was great, except for the last hostle/cottage thing we stayed at. the Beds were too small, as well as the rooms. And they were too close to the ground plus had slanted cielings. I had some serious back pain after that. |
| * Food: |
It was all amazing. The English breakfast was too heavy for me however. Often times, it made me ill because we would eat so early. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Rugby match! Absolutely blew my mind. It was the best time of my life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Per week..? I spend around 60 pounds. Thats about $100 US Dolars. My group of friends and I went to a lot of sit down places, but lcal shops and sandwhich places are much much cheaper. But dont let the 6 pound price tag strike your fancy... thats actually about $11.30 in US money. (at least at the time it was) Always try to convert it in your head before you spend it! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | convert your money before you go. DONT USE THE ATM!!! There are astronomical charges for using foreign ATMs and you can only use certain ones that are hard to come by. Also, they dont take Discover cards and not all places take American versions of Credit Cards. Bring lots of cash and spend it wisely. The conversion rate will fluxuate while you are there and it got horrible towards the end of our trip. I wish I would have converted all of my cash right away. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | Those who are seeking more than just the city nightlife. You have to enjoy being outdoors. |
