One Word: Unforgettable Past Review
By Laura D (HISTORY., Framingham State College) - abroad from 09/19/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Studying abroad at UEA was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about different cultures and experienced different types of people. I made a lot of great friends, saw some really cool sites, and completely fell in love with England. When can I move there?
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. |
I learned what I wanted to learn at a good pace! The library full of resources...I never had to go anywhere else! |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We were a bit confused on where to go and what to do for orientation at first, but we got the hang of it quickly. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my flatmates and the design of Norfolk Terrace. But a lot of our heaters broke and got our belongings wet. Maintenance was quick to help, though. |
* Food: |
I rarely went to the campus dining areas for food. I usually cooked for myself. But when I did go the food was good. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I lived in a flat with all British students so that helped me learn about their lifestyles very easily. The events put on by the school also helped me socialize. And Norwich is only a bus ride away! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick for a couple weeks while I was over there (mixing all those germs from all those countries, you know). But since I was only there for three months I was unsure of how to proceed with the health care program. Looking back I probably should have talked to the study abroad people and if not, gone straight to the health facility. I didn't really know what to do because all the instructions were for people who were staying 6 months or more. |
* Safety: |
I felt more safe at UEA than I did in my own dorm at my home university. I usually would lock the door to my room at my home university, but at UEA I didn't feel the need to. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 went with the philosophy that I wouldn't have this experience again, (and I had been saving for a while to study abroad) so I just spend whatever I wanted, whenever, within reason. I also went on trips almost every weekend to places outside of Norwich, so those expenses added up. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $250 including weekend excursions |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy a bus pass, learn to cook your own food, and look into buying rail passes or shopping for deals to travel around the country. |
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 |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I should have studied abroad for the whole year! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |