Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Proper, Relaxed Semester in England Past Review

By (Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/17/2014 to 12/14/0014 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I increased my traveling abilities and my ability to dive into and thrive in a different culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a pretty laid back educational experience, but that was nice because it allowed time to see the area and travel

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It's a large university. You don't get much individual attention, and getting classes changed/receiving grades does not happen quickly by any means. However, it wasn't a big deal to me, and it didn't ruin my experience in any way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the University Village. While the accommodations were satisfactory, I would recommend living on campus because most of the night life happens there. It's just more convenient.

* Food:

I enjoyed cooking for myself, and Middlebury students are given a very satisfactory stipend for this.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to know a lot of British people, and they're amazing!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues. But I know there is free health care available on campus.

* Safety:

This is an extremely safe city. I never felt uncomfortable, even when I was alone in the city.

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)

Eating and drinking was relatively inexpensive. Shop at inexpensive grocery stores (Aldi, ASDA); this makes a big difference! Much less expensive than living in big cities in Europe.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $60-$75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food and drink on discounted drink nights at the LCR/Bar

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

  • 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?
  • Nightlife
  • Brits
  • Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative Efficiency
  • Kitchen Facilities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I would have rather gone for an entire year, not just a semester

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Philosophical Problems
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Dr Eugen Fischer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The coursework was challenging, but getting a decent grade was not. We had many instructors, and most of them were satisfactory. I participated less than I would have at home. We only had 2 papers (6-8 pages each), and our entire grade was based off of them.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Medicine and Society Before the 17th Century
Course Department: History
Instructor: Professor Carole Rawcliffe
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was extremely interesting, and I learned quite a bit. However, it was not challenging to get a good grade. The professor and seminar leader were extremely knowledgeable and good at their jobs. I participated slightly less than I would have at home. We had two papers (8-10 pages each), and our entire grade was based off of those papers. Highly recommend this course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Human Physiology
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Dr Jeremy Rhodes
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course would have been challenging if I didn't already have a bit of knowledge on the subject. My main complaint was that the labs weren't more useful, but this University has limited lab availability to undergraduate students. We had many instructors, and they were all great. I participated less than I would have at home. I was assessed on one essay (8 pages), one exam, and one lab practical report (6 pages).
Credit Transfer Issues: