Growing up, Experience, Open eyes, BLAST! Past Review

By (Graphic Communications Management, University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

University of Hertfordshire: Hatfield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved it! Besides the school, everything was wonderful! I love all the people that I met and already plan on seeing them! I loved traveling and meeting people. I can't wait to go back to Europe to see more! It really opened up my eyes to other countries and how they view us and other people.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Hatfield - University of Hertfordshire Photo Direct Enrollment: Hatfield - University of Hertfordshire Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: De havilland and college lane
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I LOVED my Principles of Marketing class and American History! The teachers and debates were so much fun! I really learned a lot. My Human Space and Society and Discipline Supporting Performance weren't as good. HSS was horrible, the teacher didn't really like Americans

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were horrible at communication! All the study abroad student felt as though we were along!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing on De Havilland was great but cost A LOT!!

* Food:

GREAT!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The more you got involved the more fun it was!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

They were checking IDs a lot of the time that made you feel safe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* 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)

I saved up for 2 years and had plenty of money to spend, I was comfortable. around a 2.5-1, depending on trips.

* 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? 100-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? yes

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

English 5

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? born and raised
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? --

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location for traveling
  • People I met
  • Traveling and seeing Europe
* What could be improved?
  • The University was not helpful
  • They would never answer questions until you went searching for them.
  • Housing contract that they seek in there that costs, $800 a month and they add an extra month at the end!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? They are horrible at communication and don't take a European cultures class. There is a lot of background information that you would need to know. Not a beginner class!!