My Life Among the Brits.. excuse me... 'English' Past Review
By Christina L (Political Science, University of Missouri - Columbia) for
University of Cumbria: Lancaster - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much about myself. I met people from all over the world that I now share a special bond with. We overcame challenges and money problems, societal problems, physical problems, food dilemmas, and language barriers... this was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. It has changed my outlook on the world completely, it is most definitely something everyone should have a taste of. I was recently accepted into a Master's Programme at the University of Leeds... so I will be returning to England in 10 months and I am so excited for this new journey!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Compared to the University of Missouri-Columbia, I found the case load extremely light. Although the class structure is completely different (only 1 paper and 1 exam per class) I received 1st and 2.1 marks (As and Bs) in all my classes, despite all the warnings by my study abroad provider that As were near impossible (and I am NOT an A student). Many of my English friends who had studied abroad in America agreed that American classes were much more difficult than English ones! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was extremely disappointed by Lancaster's preparations for their international students. We all had a very difficult time finding our housing, etc. Everything is so different and I felt that the International Centre expected us to be familiar with their housing system (the different colleges, the porters..) so when I arrived, I was at a loss. My biggest gripe would be the lack of internet connection when I arrived! After travelling for 30 hours, my family was waiting to hear that I had arrived safely; however, I had not prepared to NOT have an internet connection right away! Instead, I had to wait another 24 hours (excruciating, when you're a world away from everything you know) to contact anyone. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Very good, however, there are no meal plans as I was used to at my home university... I had to get used to taking the bus into town for groceries. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
AMAZING. I met the most amazing people and travelled the world. I learned more about myself in 6 months than I learned in 4 years of college. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
VERY safe. No incidents whatsoever. |
| 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) |
|
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it. All study abroad students sing the praises of the experience, and there's a reason for it... it's amazing and you will never regret it. |
