Inspiring, Eye-Opening, and Life-Changing Past Review

By (University of Tennessee - Knoxville) - 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 gained insights and abilities to make change and help others, which is something that I will always keep with me.

Review Photos

University of Bristol: Summer Schools Photo University of Bristol: Summer Schools Photo

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 educational experience was just rigorous enough to learn and be inspired daily, but to also allow for a good experience outside of the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone involved with the program was incredible, from directors to the professor.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was in a great location and offered a chance to utilize the dining halls.

* Food:

The dining hall food was usually not great, but the city offered a ton of places to get amazing food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Staying at the residence hall and having Bristol students was a great opportunity to get to know the local culture, although I would have enjoyed getting to know more areas of the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a little sick (allergies), and one of our student ambassadors helped me quickly and efficiently, pointing me to a good pharmacy and recommending medicine.

* Safety:

No incidents to report.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program was one of the best experiences of my life. There was not a single day that I finished disappointed or not inspired to go out and use what I had learned. I loved Professor Burch-Brown and the directors.

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)

I spent very little of my own money on the trip, which was nice, as I did not have a lot to spend. Most meals can be eaten in the dining halls, and those that cannot can be purchased with the money provided from the program. A bus pass is also provided, which saves a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Sainbury's, Tesco's, etc. are your friends. If you do not have a ton of money to spend, don't feel pressured to spend a lot on food. These places have sandwich, chips, and a drink for three pounds, with vegetarian options. Additionally, there are plenty of fun things to do that are free, as most museums and things are free.

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Events/Educational Opportunities
  • Support from Director/Professor/Ambassadors
  • People/Network
* What could be improved?
  • Different locations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had been more courageous in going places that were not planned out, such as pubs or museums.