Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

To Brum and Beyond!! Past Review

By (Anthropology, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/19/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

University of Birmingham: Birmingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a lot more confident interacting with people I didn't know and traveling on my own. I also gained some amazing friends and made great connections. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was able to live in a University flat just 15 minutes walk from the main campus. My roommates were all British students so it helped me get to know people, and my room had its own bathroom.

* Food:

I cooked for myself most of the time, but there were a lot of great restaurants where I was living.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of my roommates were British and I joined a few clubs on campus to meet people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just like any big city, you need to be aware of your surroundings and it is better to walk in a group at night. However, I never felt unsafe.

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)

England is generally more expensive, just because of the conversion rate between the dollar and the pound, but planning ahead when traveling, staying in hostels and shopping at Aldi helped me save money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are able to, do a lot of your own cooking. That way you can find the grocery with the best deals and you can cook what you like without having to spend too much money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Traveling
  • Making friends
  • My classes
* What could be improved?
  • Getting together with students from my US school.
  • Familiarizing students with differences in exams and grading processes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To buy my train tickets even farther in advance to save more money and to get a railcard.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!