Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Gecko, The Vocaloid, and The "Female Friendship" March 19, 2026

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/11/2025 to 12/13/2025 with

University of East Anglia: Norwich - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The differences between teaching creative writing in the UK and in the US; different British female writers; the pop culture scene in the UK and in general, from a social psychological perspective; a few Japanese words and British slang on the way; scones are amazing - yes, it was worthwhile

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

While I did gain some great friends and valuable creative writing lessons, I kept on thinking "why am I here?" and that whatever I did here, I could do in Middlebury with friends I've already been familiar with.

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)

UK is pretty expensive. Best to stock up on food and essentials, so you don't have to constantly go out to buy them.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? N/A
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

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? Direct Enrollment

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
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?
  • The Bunkasai!
  • Creative Writing class
  • Meeting Filipinos and Japanese students
* What could be improved?
  • more Midd students need to go here
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will have a lot of free time. Try not to spend it always cooped up in your room.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

CREATIVE WRITING: PROSE (AUT)
Course Department: LDC
Instructor: Claire Hynes
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I think what was challenging was if you missed a week on your writing journal, then suddenly the work would pile up. The teacher did give some good insight and resources to improve my creative writing. Peers were also very supportive.
Credit Transfer Issues: None yet
Course Name/Rating:

POPULAR MUSIC AND MEDIA
Course Department: MLC
Instructor: George McKay
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Teacher was very passionate in what he taught. It was really fun to talk about the music you like in a very academic setting.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

WOMEN'S WRITING IN EARLY-MODERN BRITAIN
Course Department: LDC
Instructor: Sophie Butler
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was so lovely. I thought I'd dislike this class, but surprisingly found poets and writing styles I enjoyed talking about and analyzing.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A