"I like your pants...I mean TROUSERS!" Past Review

By A student (Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies., 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 think I learned to appreciate the resources I have at Middlebury a lot more. It was really good to get away from Middlebury, both the school and the city/town for a bit; I needed to spend some time away from it. I also met a flatmate who I still talk to every day so I am thankful that through some power + luck, I was placed in the flat that I was placed in!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I feel that academic was not as rigorous as Middlebury but I had a hard time getting the good grades I was getting at Middlebury because of how different essay structures and grading is at UEA.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	In short, things definitely work better and more smoothly at Middlebury!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was good! Single room with fun flatmates (got closer to some and not others but that's a nature of college living arrangements), extremely close to campus, heating was good.
* Food:	It was different to have to cook for myself after having a dining hall for all three meals back at Middlebury.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I did not feel that I had to integrate as much because there really was no language barrier. I felt that the culture in US and in England was extremely similar except for a few words that were different here and there.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)	I think the money I got from Middlebury for food was good but I still had to limit myself to certain things when it came to grocery shopping. I couldn't afford to take my out of pocket money, especially since I was working this semester. But being that I was coming from the States and was only staying for a semester, so I did all of my bedding/dorm-shopping in England, so that added to the cost of my living and would have liked some help purchasing that!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Considering that you are going to travel (in Western Europe), use cheap airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet and etc. Maybe save up money during the summer or during the semester before you go off.

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
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
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?	ONLY TAKING 3 CLASSES INSTEAD OF MY USUAL 4/5 AT MIDD
* What could be improved?	Maybe having a writing session to see how students at England write vs. students at US/Midd.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I really don't need 5/6 pairs of shoes or if I do bring 5/6 pairs they need to be EXTREMELY comfortable and able to withstand hours and hours of walking! Also...I should have practiced how to cook delicious meals with minimum ingredients and supplies because I only have one pot and had to share a wok with a flatemate!

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Women Islam and Media
Course Department:	Film and Media
Instructor:	Eylem Atakav
Instruction Language:	English (UK)
Comments:	It was an issue that I was interested in so it was good. I had one research proposal, one group project and one 3,000 paper along screenings and other discussion assignments.
Credit Transfer Issues: