I learned by experience, and about things that cannot be taught in a classroom. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 06/18/2016 with

University of Birmingham: Birmingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile because I feel more responsible, and confident in my ability to be on my own in a very unfamiliar place. I feel as though I have even more common sense skills than I did prior to this experience. I gained many life skills of which cannot be taught in a classroom.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health issues needed to be addressed

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

England was extremely expensive in general, and Birmingham specifically was a very inconvenient city to maneuver around. I would have liked things to be easier to get to by foot, and more of a traditional English style city. Birmingham was very modern, and did not have much of a "British feel" to it.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200/week on additional expenses, the pound to dollar conversion was very bad while I was there
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not buy clothing while abroad, save money for alternative souvenirs that cannot be found anywhere else

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • I had a lot of time to travel which was amazing
  • I met people from all over the world
* What could be improved?
  • program preparation
  • mentors to guide me to my accomodation upon arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know I should've packed much lighter than I did, and I also wish I chose some different courses to take in England, but I was very rushed when the time came to choose courses.

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!