Best Decision of My Life!! Past Review
By A student (San Jose State University) - abroad from 09/19/2011 to 05/16/2012 with
University of Hertfordshire: Hatfield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was definitely worth while. I know it's cliche, but it really is an experience of a life-time where you make new friends away from your home, try new things, travel and explore places you never thought you would go to, and so on. Best decision you could make in your college career. Don't hesitate. Just DO it ;-)
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 overall academic experience was alright, but I really didn't like how in most classes, they only grade you on 1-2 assignments be it an essay/exam/group project. Whatever you get on that assignment is what you literally get for the semester. But I did like how I only had 3-4 classes all of them once a week. I don't think I've ever had so much free time in my life. :) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people in the International/Study Abroad office were hands down, THE NICEST staff ever. They'll always able to help with anything you may need. Homesickness, have to make a fax/phone call to your home school, questions about changing classes, and etc. They are truly there for the students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed on-campus in Telford Court. It's the most expensive accommodation on the College Lane campus, but I couldn't have asked for a nicer room. Telford Court rooms are bigger, and you only have to share the flat/apartment with 5 other people compared to 8-10 in the other housing options. I got along with most of my flatmates and still stay in contact with a couple of them today. :) |
| * Food: |
Since I lived on-campus, it's self-catered so I was responsible for preparing my own food. Which I didn't mind since I was used to cooking for myself back at home. But there were some days, I would like to treat myself and head to the school's restaurant where they always provided a big selection of affordable dishes for everyone. From a la carte, to the panini station, to International days where they would serve dishes from Caribbean to Indian to Chinese or anything else. Was literally at this place at least once if not twice a week. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Loved the friends I made!! Most of my friends were American like me, but also met some amazing international students who were in the same place as me. Once you get there, everyone's new and wants to make friends just as much as you do. My group of friends were a mix consisting of Americans, other internationals, and some British students as well who were beyond welcoming and oh so nice. :) |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't really have any health issues other than a little seasonal allergies, but I just took care of that on my own with being contained in my room for a couple days and taking my meds that I brought from home. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe on-campus. They have security 24/7 especially on Forum nights when everyone comes out to the pubs and club on-campus. Those nights were soo much fun! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Since I did an academic year, saving money was crucial especially since I really wanted to do a lot of traveling. Budgeting wasn't too bad when it came to grocery shopping at places like ASDA and Aldi's which were all walking-distance from the school. Or you can bus it if walkin isn't your thing. It's honestly all about spending your money wisely and paying close attention to everything you do, especially when it comes to going out. Try not to get TOO crazy on buying drinks at the pub, or obsessive buying on anything else... |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On food, shopping, and transportation, I'd way budget around $200 a week. It honestly just depends on the individual. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just pay close attention to everything you buy. Always ask yourself, "Why am I getting this?", "Do I really need it"? "Is this a necessity?" and etc. Of course, it's okay to splurge on whatever every now and then, but just remember that it still has to last you for the rest of the semester... |
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? | Exchange |
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? | Nothing |
