Exchange in Exeter was the Best 3 months of my Life! Past Review
By Adreanne S (PSYCHOLOGY., The College of William and Mary) for
University of Exeter: Exeter - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was the best! I went to five different countries, made friends in more than 20 different countries, and learned so much about British culture. I loved being in an international dorm and I would come back to Britain again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system is a lot different from the United States. The teaching methods are focused on tutorials and seminars and lectures are usually 1 hour once a week. This is very different from William and Mary where you are sitting three hour long lectures or two lectures of one hour and a half. Much of the learning is independent and the student has guided readings which differs from the mandatory homework given in the American system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall, the administration was very helpful. The support services needed were accessible. Registration was not done well because it is not online however, it was probably the only large problem in the program. The university is larger than William and Mary so one shouldn't expect for the professor to know their name. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in Lafrowda was the best part of my program. I lived with German, Swiss, Australian, American, Korean, Swedish, Spanish, French, and Italian people who I will never forget. We had so many great times together and I hope to visit all of them in their home countries one day. I was able to get a lot of my kitchen supplies from the Free Recyclable Day offered at the beginning of the year. The rooms were small but nice because they were all single rooms. It is on campus so class is not far but you may have to climb a big hill which can be tiring. Nightlife in Exeter is amazing and you will probably end up going out with your dorm friends. I did not meet as many British people because I was always with the international students. You will need sheets and a blanket however with space saving bags you could bring them with you from home. You will have to grocery shop because international students can not buy a meal plan. |
| * Food: |
The cafes on campus were nice and had a variety of foods. However, I rarely ate there because it was expensive and I cooked my own meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to Bath and Cardiff Wales. Both trips were great and I learned about the Roman Baths and about the history of Cardiff castle. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | You should budget spending money on alcohol because students go out very often here. You should budget for groceries and only buy necessary items. The currency exchange for the United States dollar to pounds is not helpful and you spend more than you think. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who can balance academics and fun well is going to do best at Exeter. Travel to other parts of Europe while you are here because airfare is cheap and make new international friends so that you have a reason to visit. |
