England: Determined my future - BCA Cheltenham - University of Gloucestershire Past Review
By Alexandra R (Business Administration, Elizabethtown College) for
Study Abroad Programs in England
I consider my study abroad experience to be one of the most important times in my life. I grew up so much being on my own, not knowing anyone in the program. As well as learning more about other cultures and traditions apart form your own. You gain exposure and qualities you will never get from staying in one place your entire life. The experience also led me to a career in the field of International Education. I believe it is my purpose in life to encourage as many students and to have the same opportunity I was so fortunate to have.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The learning style in England is very different from what we are accustom to. Instead of their being multiply homework assignments are many tests and quizzes there was usually just one paper and a finale or just the finale that made up your entire grade. The learning is entirely put on the student. However, it really encourages students to group up and take initiative in their course work. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The resident directors in Cheltenham are the best ever! Though I may be very biased. Princess Sandy was always there for you when ever you needed her or just wanted to have fun. They did a great job of providing us many opportunities to see as much as we could as well as enjoy the local scene. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was fortunate enough to be place in the freshman dorms which were located on the main campus in which most of my class were located. It was an ideal situation as I had a single room with my own toilet! The whole building was made up of some international students and local students. |
| * Food: |
The food was ok. I did think that having the food allowance helped you keep an eye on your finances. I will say it was tough for all meals as the refectory (cafeteria) was only open for breakfast and lunch and only really during the week. leaving you to fend for your self the rest of the time. We did have a small kitchen to share among our entire building, but it was not fully equipped with all the appliances you may need. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The memory that stands out most to me was during the campus international week. The University of Gloucestershire is a very diverse university and celebrates those differences. For an entire week the campus had a night dedicated to a different country or area of the world. And we (the US Students)got to have our own night in which we called "Born in the USA". We were able to get a copy of the Superbowl, that just happened, and buy a bunch of typical Sunday football snack and took over the student union. It was such a blast. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Though every city has its problems we were warned many times of how to stay safe and I never felt I was put in a situation in which we were in any serious danger. However, there were some circumstance other students were in, but I believe the directors dealt with the situation perfectly. |
| 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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | My words of wisdom would be to go and enjoy every moment and try to not turn down an opportunity. And definitely travel. Also it is ok to go abroad with friends, but I actually believe it is better to go with a program on your own. This allows you to be more open to making new friends with other students in the program and from abroad. |
