Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Opportunity of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, High Point University) - abroad from 01/14/2014 to 05/20/2014 with

St Mary's University: Twickenham, Greater London - Study Abroad + Internship, Semester or Full Academic Year

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew a lot individually. For example, I became more independent and more outgoing, but I also learned that the world is a huge place full of unique people just waiting to be explored. It was absolutely worthwhile!

Review Photos

- St. Mary's University: Twickenham, Greater London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo - St. Mary's University: Twickenham, Greater London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo - St. Mary's University: Twickenham, Greater London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo - St. Mary's University: Twickenham, Greater London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

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

I had an amazing host family. They provided me with my own bedroom and bathroom. They took interest in me, helped me through the adjustments, and made my experience so much better.

* Food:

The food my host family provided was good, but the school cafeteria left something to be desired.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery stores are your friends, especially when traveling in other countries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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 loved my host family!
  • I loved the people I met!
* What could be improved?
  • The meal plan could have been better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how quickly the time would fly, so I would take advantage of every single opportunity.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'