Teach Abroad! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) for

University of Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gave it three stars because though it wasn't something that allowed me to learn a lot about education and teaching, I did learn a lot about myself as a person. :)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I don't drink alcohol, so I found it difficult to have a social life abroad. Many people like to go out for drinks, but I did not. It was a shame to me that so many people thought alcohol was the only way to have fun. I highly recommend taking weekend trips to sight-see. You're only over there once. Take advantage of your time abroad, if money allows!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't think the city was unsafe. I felt safe all day, except night time. I wouldn't recommend going anywhere without someone with you. I never had anything happen to me or my friends, but it's always good to be 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 30 pounds on groceries every two weeks. I usually spent about 10-15 pounds on transportation a week, and 30 pounds on personal expenses each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I recommend taking cash rather than debit and credit. I personally took more cash with me than any other tender. It was easier to convert to pounds and it's always good to have cash on you. Just keep it locked up in your suitcase!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students