England is more than tea and crumpets. I've had the time of my life! Past Review
By Judy S (Political Science and Government., Fordham University) for
University of Bristol: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I was able to become more independent and responsible as a result of studying abroad. I was also more outgoing after being placed outside of my comfort zone while studying abroad. My experience has abroad has given me a more global perspective on life and because of my experience, I want to study international relations on a graduate school level.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational system relied more on independent work and the workload was easier to handle in my opinion. Since there were only two essays that made up my final grade, I was able to spend a lot more time reading the required and recommended material during the term. It was a less structured system, and I think this learning environment was very beneficial to me. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IFSA Butler was great with providing academic support as well as support for social needs such as dealing with culture shock and fitting in at the university. The program also planned many excursions for students and tickets to numerous plays which allowed us to see new places, and meet other students from the program. There were only a few students at our orientation which allowed the staff to give us students individual attention and get to know us better. The program exceeded my expectations and all of my needs were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood was very safe and even though it was a bit far from campus, the bus service helped students with transportation. The grounds were beautiful and the room was very well equipped. I even had my own private toilet and shower. I had a meal plan included in my housing and the food was very good. I did need to purchase a bedding pack from the accommodation office at my hall when I initially arrived. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good and there were many choices to choose from-even a daily vegetarian option. The quantity of food was more than adequate because we received a large English breakfast every morning and a large evening meal every night including salad and dessert. I would definitely recommend living in catered housing for future students. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My study abroad program had an adventure weekend program where we went to Lladudno Wales. I went kayaking and did high ropes and hiking there. I was also able to see great plays at great prices courtesy of my program. I saw Wicked, Legally Blonde, and Billy Elliot. |
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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. The university advised us on areas to avoid at night whilst alone for safety reasons and I did not experience any negative safety related events. |
| 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 spent about fifteen to twenty pounds on food and personal expenses each week. Since I had a meal plan, I just bought snacks that would keep me sustained until dinner and I used the money I had to buy souvenirs, go to plays and plan trips to other cities within the UK. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Well, the exchange rate is pretty high and in the first few weeks, and I spent more than I should have. It's wise to try and budget as best as possible in the first few weeks. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would strongly recommend this program to any student. I think a student looking for a traditional college experience with guaranteed housing would benefit from this program. I also recommend this program to any student who wants to integrate with local students and not just other study abroad students. I was able to meet local students very easily because I was able to live with local students and interact with them on a daily basis. |
