England is the Place to Be! Past Review
By Kathrine J (Apparel Design and Production, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
University of Hertfordshire: Hatfield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This was an amazing experience that I would do again in a heartbeat! Everything has its highs and lows, but skype helps with homesickness and new friends make the adventures even better. I got to travel to five different countries while I was overseas, and they were all amazing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system in England is completely different to over here. There are much fewer assignments and they count for a much larger part of the grade. It was also less organized at the University of Hertfordshire than in America, but just relax and focus on having fun. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The University of Hertfordshire's study abroad team was dedicated to their students and they knew what they were doing. They could answer any questions I had and they were always excited to see me when I came into the office. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the on-campus houses on Roberts Way. It was a great experience because I really got to know my housemates and we all got along really well. The houses do not come with any amenities, so students need to buy their own toilet paper, towels, soap, dishes, etc. The university does provide free bedding to international students. |
| * Food: |
I mostly cooked my own meals, but when I did eat out the food was good. The servings from the cafeteria are large. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The University of Hertfordshire plans a lot of day trips and a few overnight trips for international students to participate in. These trips are worth the money because they enable students to go places that are difficult to reach otherwise and at a cheaper price than if I tried to get there myself. The same person led all of my trips, and she was very nice and helpful. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe the whole time I was there, even after dark. |
| 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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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 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? | When it comes to finances, it takes 6-8 weeks to set up a bank account. Plan on taking enough money to last the first two months of your stay if you intend to open an account overseas. RyanAir and EasyJet are great for getting around Europe. Also don't forget about the bus/train system if you want a more leisurely journey to places beyond your host program. Be adventurous! This is an amazing opportunity that may never come your way again. Make the most of it! |
