Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not What I Expected, But Worth It. Past Review

By (Bennington College) - abroad from 09/15/2014 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 gained a love of British chocolate, biscuits and tea. I also learned that England isn't as hyped up as the pop culture image we get of it makes it out to be, it's actually a lot more ordinary. I think it was worth it to be tied to a new place and to broaden my world perspective and to keep England in my heart now that I'm home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The rigor was definitely intense, it taught me a lot about how to format papers correctly and how to budget my time, since there was so much recommended reading I felt was good for me to read. The classes were really solid and the library was great for finding the books I needed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone is so nice and helpful, IFSA Butler is really personal and takes good care of you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my flatmates but the kitchen wasn't the best and my room was suuuuper small.

* Food:

It was my first time cooking for myself, and that wasn't easy, but the battered fish in England is amazing if you ever get the chance to try it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's not too hard to integrate as an American into British culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experiences with healthcare there, but I appreciate that they have a resource called Nightline, a hotline for those struggling with depression/anxiety/loneliness/what have you. I almost used the hotline myself during my initial isolation.

* Safety:

I had no problems.

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)

it's hard to say, I was prolly spending more than I'd like to admit.

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
  • International 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?
  • Opportunities to travel around England
  • Everyone was super helpful and nice
* What could be improved?
  • Prepare us better for how hard it will be to make friends
  • Give us some recipes to rely on when we need to eat
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that England would be more ordinary than I expected it to be, and I wish I could have allowed myself to have more fun and to spend more time with flatmates.

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 Linguist
You 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!