Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Learning Experience Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being by myself. It was very worthwhile and that one semester was just enough for me.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Depending on the class I felt that the intensity varied, but in general, there was minimal pressure up until paper due dates as they all seemed to be due on the same day and at the same time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not know that there would not be any wifi in my room except for the ethernet cord; however, other than this, I liked my living arrangements very much.

* Food:

The food on campus was great, especially at the Campus Kitchen. One thing to know, the uni does not have a dining system (aside from the cafes) so students either have to buy their own food or make it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My flat had a mixture of international and local students which was very helpful with my integration. Also I made many friends there and it helped that the town was very close-about 25 minutes away by bus.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is important to remember that the campus is open to everyone and therefore, there is a higher risk for incidents, but with this said, if you look after yourself properly and follow the instructions that the uni gives you, there should not be any big problems. The uni did warn us about theft on campus and constantly reminded us to lock our windows and flat doors before we left, so definitely pay very close attention to this!

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)

Because I did the exchange program I was provided with a stipend that made it very easy to feel comfortable. I rate it a 5.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~35-45 pounds which is around 48-61 dollars

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • My Power Over Pacific Lecturer
  • The people I met
  • Having my own space and time
* What could be improved?
  • Better information for study abroad students from the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a bit more about the course load and how hectic it all became during finals when all my papers were due at the same time on the same day.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ideology, Culture and Revolution in the politics of the Middle East
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ghetto Since 1945
Course Department: American Studies
Instructor: John Heavens
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Power Over The Pacific: The American Relationship With Asia
Course Department: political science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was incredible and it was taught by an amazing professor who led the conversation in such relaxed manner that allowed students to feel comfortable voicing their thoughts. He encouraged discussion very well and I definitely gained much from this course. The professor was also very approachable.
Credit Transfer Issues: