Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bristol offered a warm, friendly introduction to traveling abroad. Past Review

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 06/01/2019 to 06/30/2019 with

University of Bristol: Summer Schools

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the many social issues that affect both the United States and UK in different ways, as well as how to discuss them with people from so many walks of life. It was worthwhile in every aspect, and allowed me to become much more comfortable with new experiences and places.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class was immersive and provided ample opportunity for discussion and interaction with the Bristol community. The workshops were not difficult to attend and the assignments were very reasonable. The work enhanced my understanding of the experiences and improved my learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the program coordinators were more than excellent and provided the best introduction to the UK that I could have asked for. They were always open to questions and very proactive if any issues arose.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was accommodating and well located. I would recommend buying a blanket if you get cold easily.

* Food:

The cooked meals from the dining services always offered many options and did not become boring or insufficient. Also, the food choices in the city were excellent as well and gave us a lot to choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated in the local culture. We participated in the program alongside several students from Bristol, which helped us have firsthand discussions about the politics/dynamics of the area. Each day's actives were spread pretty evenly across the city, and it was entirely possible explored areas that aren't officially part of the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

In all areas we were in, we had a guide, and the city was very lively for most parts of the day.

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)

The budgeting was not too difficult, but if you want to eat out relatively often and indulge on coffee/snacks I would recommend bringing extra money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $65-100 per week, depending on if we traveled.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan the meals where you go out and keep track of how many small transactions you make through the day because they add up.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Friends
  • Food
  • Nature
* What could be improved?
  • Timing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had budgeted my money better and set a balance that I could spend for each week. It's easy to get out of hand with spending, but more than possible to be proactive with budgeting.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!