Dream Come True Past Review
By Abelina V (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Georgia) - abroad from 07/07/2015 to 07/30/2014 with
University of Georgia, Discover Abroad: England and Scotland - Summer Program
I finally realized a dream in going to the UK. I gained life-long friends, relationship with teachers, and appreciation for a different culture. I learned so much about myself. I learned to stop and appreciate the people and places around me. I learned so much more than what was outlined in the syllabus. I discovered myself abroad...
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 rigor of the courses I studied was exactly where I felt it needed to be. It wasn't so hard that you couldn't keep up, but it also wasn't so easy that a monkey could do it! It was enough to appreciate the topics we were discussing. We had all the resources we needed and if we had any questions it wasn't really difficult to find an answer with our t.a. and teachers! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration part of the program was very attentive to our needs/concerns. They were prompt in answering any questions and were even there with words of relief and encouragement when I was freaking out about flying! This is not something you think of when you think of administration. I personally love that most of the people in the office are new graduates and once study abroad students in the not so distant past. It was easy to take advice and instruction when you have some common ground with those who holds this information and have had personal experience with this particular program! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Being the primary caretaker for my grandfather meant staying at home during college, so I never had the chance to experience dorm rooms and roommates. This program gave me the opportunity for those experiences and I was grateful for them. I had a blast living with people I had never met before and getting to know people and making friends! i know I missed out in that area but i'm glad to have had a glimpse of it! |
| * Food: |
The food was so good! Whenever we were at a place that offered a full english breakfast, we dined like kings! English food is completely underrated and deserves a little more respect! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
At times, when it was just us on the coach, cultural integration was minimal. However, when we did get settled into places we were completely emerged in the culture, we ate, shopped, enjoyed football, and pastimes like punting just like the Brits. I felt like I was able to really experience their culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I have never felt safer in a city at night. Maybe it was naivety or maybe it was just that safe, but I never felt threatened at any time of the day in any of the places we were. WE were given plenty of advice on safety and tips on how to keep from putting ourselves in danger. |
| 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) |
It was a challenge trying to keep up with the exchange rate. And considering that the pound is worth a good deal more than the dollar it could get expensive. However, the Brits are like Americans in the sense that they love a good bargain! It was easy to find a 3 for 5 lunch in Marks & Spencer's or Boots that would fill you up! Even going out to dinner wasn't atrociously expensive, as long as you steer clear away from soda! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $120/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Order water instead of soda. Take advantage of the Meal Deals. Don't go out to eat at a restaurant every night! Food trucks are delicious and cheap! Spend money on memories not things, spend on activities (The London Eye, Punting, Museums, etc.) Do your research; if you like museums, look up free museums where you are going to be, try to find free things to do locally! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do the readings before you go! Once you get your course materials, go over them! Pack light!!! The UK is an endless staircase and you will be placed in the room at the top. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
