A Once in a lifetime experience Past Review
By Kelly S (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) for
University of Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I am very independent and learned how to make the best of every situation. Take full advantage that everything is offered to you and don't hold back
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. |
Friendly staff and support team at my school. The English school system was very different than the American school system. There were no textbooks used in teaching. The students were preparing for an important test called the SATS. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our leaders in England were very helpful and supportive. They showed us around on the weekends when we traveled. They also came into the schools with us for the first day. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our host family was very friendly and wanted to learn about our culture. They showed us around the town of Eastbourne and took us out to eat. Sheets were provided. We were treated like family. They were interested in what we were doing in school and really made an effort to get to know us. |
| * Food: |
Our host family provided all the dinner. We had typical English food as well as we got to choose a dinner once a week that they cooked. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our advisors in England took us to France and we saw the eiffel tower. Also, we got to take field trips to Bath, Stonehenge, Bodium Castle, and Stratford-Avon. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There were no safety related incidents. There is free health care in England. The doctor was easily accessible. I would make sure you know where the doctor's office is when you arrive over to your country in case of an emergency. |
| 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? | I had to buy lunches each week. Probably 20 dollars on groceries for the week. I spent alot of money on the weekends for activities and souvenirs. This amount will depend on what you buy or if you go out alot. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | budget more money for spending on traveling and souvenirs. |
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? | Take advantage of every opportunity to travel and get to know people. Your experiencing will be more rewarding. |
