Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Just Go!!! - BCA Cheltenham - University of Gloucestershire Past Review

By (Manchester College) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Every single second was worth while. I learned so much about the culture, from food to the local slang. More importantly I learned about myself. I think that has to be the biggest accomplishment for me. I know I can plan a trip with all the fine details. I even know what to do when all those details no longer work. I learned to just try things and to make new friends at every opportunity.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Both directors are there if you need anything at all. They won't baby you through the process but they will help you out to the best of your ability. My friends and I missed our bus in London and Denise looked up train times for us right away.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's great that the classes integrate you but it is also up to you to fully integrate yourself as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cheltenham is such a wonderful town. I never once felt scared to walk back to the halls at night.

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)

It is up to you to bugdet yourself. If you go out to eat every day it could get pricey. Be a smart shopper and spend wisely. It's okay to occasionally spoil yourself but be smart.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I like to shop, so altogether I probably spent close to $110 each week if I bought a new outfit.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think it's the same way you would save money at home. The difference is you will probably never have this experience again so go feel free to spoil yourself every once and awhile but you know your budget, so keep that in mind.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • We were guided but not babied. I think that was a great balance for people our age.
  • I like going on trips with all the Americans and being able to have that sort of bond with them.
* What could be improved?
  • I think it would have been better if all the Americans were placed in the same building, but I understand that there was a large amount of students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there was anything I would add before this experience. Perhaps be a bit more versed in the culture but I liked learning about England IN England. It just felt right.