Abroad at Exeter - I highly recommend it! Past Review
By Michael W (Economics., The College of William and Mary) for
University of Exeter: Exeter - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I enjoyed myself tremendously-I highly recommend it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system is significantly different; however, W&M will supply on request the grade translation rubric. Expect less in-class lecture time than at home and discussion sections with TA's. Scheduling is a nightmare-be warned and prepare at least 4 alternate courses and do not expect to get the schedule you planned for. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Highly accessible and competent in dealing with administrative problems that inhere to the Exeter system. Very helpful in facilitating registration for acceptable courses. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lafrowda Block F. On-Campus single room with sink, shared full kitchen (with microwave) & shared baths with separate showers. Self-catered (you cook for yourself); tableware and silverware must be purchased. Neighborhood relatively safe but take standard precautions. Lafrowda dorms resemble Units but white rather than brick. Classes relatively close (<10 min walk), approx 15 min to city centre (including nightclubs & bars/pubs). On-campus bar approx 5 min walk. Train station approx 15-20 min (Exeter St. Davids). Nota bene: weekly fire alarm tests are carried out and may disrupt sleep. |
| * Food: |
Tesco and other food markets have supplies of fresh food and fresh ready-to-heat meals including curries and pasta dishes. City has large number of pubs and take-away restaurants which can prepare balanced meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never got sick so student health isn't applicable. City is generally safe but there were reports of sexual assaults during my time there so use appropriate precautions. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food if cooked at home will be cheaper than a WM meal plan. Expect to pay $4-5 for a pint of lager at a Wetherspoons pub and $6 upwards at other pubs. I didn't shop much for items to take home. Bus transport isn't worth it-walk to the supermarket if possible. Nightclub cover plus coatroom fee will be about $10-13. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Comparative Politics: Governance and Public Policy in the European Union |
| Course Department: | Politics; POL2043 |
| Instructor: | Francesco Stolfi |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The instructor was highly knowledgeable in European integration. Discussion section was led by professor. Workload was moderate but sufficiently challenging. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
