Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bristol was Bland but Europe was Great! Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 06/12/2012 with

University of Bristol: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile in that I traveled out of England as much as possible, which was relatively easy since it's so close to the continent. I learned that I really don't like living in England.

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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your meals from the grocery store as often as possible, or cook if you are able to. It saves a lot of money.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 was able to meet a lot of foreign students
  • I made friends with some Italians to practice my language skills
  • I was able to travel to the continent relatively easily
* What could be improved?
  • The study abroad department really needs to be more organized.
  • The housing situation should definitely be improved.
  • Better cultural excursions.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're settling for a program 9/10 you won't enjoy it. Go for the program that you really want, even if it means working a lot to save up for it. Having an interest in where you're going really makes a difference.