Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The time of my life Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 09/29/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

Swansea University: Swansea - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of independence. I gained confidence in myself. I gained some new friends I will have for life. I learned how to handle myself in new and slightly scary situations. I learned how to overcome cultural barriers.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't interact much with the international office, but when I did they were very polite and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The liikg situation was perfect. I loved having my own room but also a common space to spend time with my housemates. Also, my housemates became my best friends, so living with them only made us closer.

* Food:

I never ate in a cafeteria of sorts. Everything was made in our own kitchen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to interact with regular students and they helped me integrate into the community. I left feeling like Swansea was home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any.

* Safety:

I always felt safe.

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)

The UK is a very expensive place to live. American dollars did not go as far as I expected, therefore I had to cut out a lot of traveling that was originally planned.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? We saved money by buying groceries as a house. The bill was less per person and less food was wasted.

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The people I met
  • The country of Wales
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to save more money. It cost much more at the beginning then I thought it would as I had to buy pots and pans, towels, bedding, and pillows.

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.'