Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Those Crazy Amazing Roommates Cracked My Shell Open With A Sledgehammer! Past Review

By (Literature and History, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 06/19/2015 with

University of Birmingham: Birmingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I did a lot of travelling solo, which really upped my self-confidence. I also made some amazing friendships that I have every intention of making last forever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes met only once or twice a week and attendance is highly recommended by me because the exams come after a month's break and cover all the topics discussed in incredible detail.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This was the only real downside to the University of Birmingham. I got there and received no help at all. I was assigned an advisor who couldn't meet with me until two weeks into term so I went through the beginning of the semester with only one class. And the integration with British students or events hosted by the University were non-existent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was extremely pleased with the school accommodation. The rooms were huge compared to US dorms and the kitchen was younger than I was, which was a vast improvement.

* Food:

Expect frozen meals. Access to fruits and vegetables was good but it seems like everyone buys frozen meals and cooks them quickly in the oven for supper.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After making friends with my roommates, we reached out to other exchange students and explored England as a group. However, we had very little contact with any natives, and the school was absolutely no help at all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issue with my health, thankfully, but my roommate did and he said he had no problem finding what he needed at the local store.

* Safety:

I felt one hundred percent safe walking around by myself, especially around campus because it was so well lit. UMO could learn a thing or two from them.

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)

Food is very cheap but the exchange rate is the killer. $10 is about 7 British Pounds, which really sucks when you buy a 200 pound plane ticket. Overall I probably broke even with what I spent at home and it was pretty easy to survive on a small amount of money but if you plan on travelling, save up big time.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Anywhere from $40 to $150, including some weekend trips and shopping.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up beforehand and plan on spending a ton of money. I had no intention of spending what I did but looking back I wouldn't have changed anything. I probably would have spent more, actually.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Experiencing so many different cultures
  • NEW FRIENDS!!!!
* What could be improved?
  • Any form of integration with native students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to put yourself out there. The best things happen when you do.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.