Past Review
By Kavita P (Chemistry., SUNY - Binghamton) for
SUNY Binghamton: Nottingham - Exchange & Study Abroad Program at University of Nottingham
My study abroad was very lonely, however I got a lot of 'me time' and grew personally, academically, and socially (while traveling). I am coming back with a new mindset and a whole new perspective on my life, my goals for the future, and my relationships.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Nottingham |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics at the University of Nottingham and challenging, but manageable. I hated finals week however. Knowing one exam was going to determine my entire course grade is something I am not use to, so I felt added pressure during that time period. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed in an Apartment affiliated with the University, Broadgate Park. I was provided with the most basic necessities. Cleaning staff would come in once a week. <br /><br /> I completely disliked my housing arrangements. Please read comments above. |
| * Food: |
I can't really cook, therefore I ended up eating ready made meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I mostly spent my time traveling alone which allowed me to develop socially. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not have any problems with safety. |
| 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? | I spent about $150 a week on personal and food expenses. I also traveled A LOT which also may have been the reason for my spending so much money. Since the pound kills the dollar in conversion, you end up spending a lot more money than you think you would. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep a budget. From keeping yourself from overspending, fill your checking account with the the amount of money only dedicated to the trip. If you think a $5000 is what you need, only keep $5000 in your account. Keep checking your account continuously throughout the semester. You will always stay on budget if you allow yourself to spend only the money in your checking account. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes 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? | Don't take anyone's advice about study abroad personally. Your experience is unique and will not be the same. Also, don't come abroad with a list full of expectations. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Atmospheric Chemistry |
| Course Department: | Chemistry F12ATC |
| Instructor: | Tim Wright |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | It was a challenging course. It consisted of three lectures a week for six weeks. The course ended the first week in November and we had an final exam at the end of January. This course required a lot of independent study. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | N/A |
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Hindu Tradition |
| Course Department: | Theology |
| Instructor: | Nick Sutton |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a phenomenal class. Nick Sutton has such passion for this subject it is unbelievable. This was my first Theology course and after taking this course I wish I was able to take more. I don't know if my home university offers Theology courses. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | N/A |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Digital Photography |
| Course Department: | Education |
| Instructor: | Hetain Patel |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I was expecting a lot more from this course. I still don't remember what we did during the course. All I remember is learning about shutter speed and aperature. I was hoping to learn more on the technical aspects of photography but didn't get anything out of this course. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Introduction to Cultural Studies |
| Course Department: | Cultural Studies |
| Instructor: | Jen Birks |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a very fast paced course and required a lot of outside reading. However, unlike my other courses, I had a seminar to reinforce what I learned in lecture. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | N/A |
