Student Teach in England! Why not finish up with a World tour? Past Review
By Bonnie D (Early Childhood Education, Illinois State University) for
University of Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I think it helped in my professional development as a teacher, and helped me to grow and become a more understanding person. Even though I was in an English speaking country, there were things I learned that I can take back about students with English as a second language. I was surprised by the types of things I learned about my field and myself, but very satisfied.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As I said above, the workload of student teaching was obviously a lot less stressful than the requirements of student teaching at home, but it makes sense that I would not have to do it all over again like I had to in the first 8 weeks of student teaching. It also was a nice balance that I felt like I could enjoy my experience, feel immersed in their school system yet not overwhelmed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved everyone we met from the University of Brighton, they bent over backwards for us with anything we needed. My expectations were completely met and I would recommend any abroad program through the University of Brighton. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was fabulous, I enjoyed having a roommate from Illinois State and everything was convenient for me as far as my school was in walking distance and the train was as well. Very easy to access and my host family was helpful in telling us how to get around. I felt very safe and loved by my host family. |
| * Food: |
They had a wonderful hot dinner with choices every night. I would say they were overly accommodating of my roommate who was a vegetarian as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a small group of us, so we found most social events and attractions on our own, with some advice from locals, host family, and American office. We went to Guy Fawkes day, which was interesting, and it was also exciting to see the Christmas season in a couple different places. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Not Applicable- felt very safe. |
| 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? | Depending on if I was traveling more weekends were pricey. During the week I rarely spent anything. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Weekends- I would book flights as early as possible if planning on traveling, its much more expensive than I thought, and prices rise at the last minute obviously. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Choose the right time for you to go, and take advantage of every opportunity you can, because you may not be back for a long time! And who care's if your broke. |
