"University of Brighton: When can i come back?" Past Review
By Tori S (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) for
University of Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes! I learned how to be independent and also to be more accepting of other cultures. The way we live are lives are great... but it is not the only way to live. Not only did i see so many historic landmarks, i was able to expand a whole other horizon when it came to teaching in the classroom. We spent several hours on drama activities and the tool it takes in the classroom. I learned a lot, explored a lot, and had the greatest time ever.
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. |
It wasn't that we had a hard work load... it just really opened my eyes to a whole new way of learning. It shows how drama does have a huge role when it comes to teaching in the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the administration was really great. We had teachers who were very knowledgeable and had other staff who took us to and from major locations in the country. Everything was very organized and everyone who we came in contact with was very understanding, nice, and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing overall was very good. We each had our own room and own bathroom with each floor sharing a community lounge and kitchen. The part i did not like was that the kitchen was missing a lot of neccesities that we needed to buy (such as paper towels, soap, and other standard living products) that would have been nice to have. Other than that, we had internet the whole time we were there and the security was good. In order to get into our flat, floor, and room we needed a key. |
| * Food: |
The food was fine, i just wish the university itself provided us with more meals. (For example: we would go on a couple field trips and we would have to pay for our lunch instead of the instructors). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got to see so many amazing sites that it was unreal. I saw historic landmarks like Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, the Brighton Pavilion, and more provided by the University. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was very safe. We did not have to wait long for transportation at night, and i saw no crime at all when i was there. I had no issues when it came to healthcare because i did not have any problems. I felt safe at all times, and i always stayed in a group with other people i was studying with. |
| 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? | The amount of money i spent each week varied. The first week i bought a lot more food that i did not necessarily need to buy. As the weeks continued, i spent more money on going to actual restaurants and spend way less money on actual groceries. i would say i probably spent between 50 pounds to 100 pounds a week- it just depended on how we were feeling. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You don't need to buy pricey items to cook. After the first week we stuck with a lot of peanut butter sandwiches, soup, and other quick items. These types of products will last you longer and will delay your next visit to Sainsbury. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Do it! I was afraid at first, but this is honestly a once in a lifetime experience. It changes your life and really lets you be your own person while your away. This was been one of the most rewarding experiences in my entire life, and i would study abroad again in a heartbeat if given the chance. Take a risk and enjoy the ride. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Independant Study |
| Course Department: | C&I287 |
| Instructor: | Anthony W. Lorsbach |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | It was not very challenging... it was just different. Another way to approach our view on education and very mind opening type of activities. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have had no credit transfer issues that i know of. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Social Foundations of Education |
| Course Department: | EAF228 |
| Instructor: | Stacey R Jones-Bock |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was tied in with the other course so all the same comments apply. Very different from any class i have taken at Illinois State, and it was a very hands-on class. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Not that i know of. |
