Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMAZING Past Review

By (Psychology and CSD, Kansas State University) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 01/19/2013 with

University of Hertfordshire: Hatfield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worth it. Regardless of the few bad days or a few things that did not fulfill my expectations, the overall experience was something that I will never regret and would do it all over again! The people I met from all over the world, the things I did, the places I visit, the friends I've made, it was just such an amazing experience. I became much more independent and I believe it changed me, in a good way. Hopefully I will be able to do something similar again

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Educational system was very different from what I was used to, so I was expecting the lecturers and professors to be a bit more dynamic with their teaching methods. Other than that, great.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program was excellent an very well organized. Provided with all the help you needed and with any questions or concerns that you may have before, during and after the experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They separated international students from the british, which was a bit surprising since one the purposes of going was to get to know the culture and a good way of doing that was living in the same flat with one of them

* Food:

There was no meal plan but there were a few places that you could go and sit down for lunch and dinner in case you did not want to cook, they had a variety of choices which sometimes changed according to the day of the week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt extremely integrated primarily because I was surrounded by international students all over the world that were in the same position as I was so everybody understood each other and the environment was very warm. It was harder integrating with the british but as long as you don't mind being the first to start the conversation with them, they turn out to be extremely welcoming and nice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully I had no experience needing healthcare during my exchange program but before going all the students were explained thoroughly about what to do and in which ways the university can help.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Give or take 80 pounds per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? England is a pretty expensive country so it is a good idea that after you are aware of the costs of food and with that you tend to spend money on (e.g. going out on weekends, fieldtrips) it is a good idea to divide your money budget and kind of distribute the money for each week or for each month just to make sure how much you are actually spending.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • the organization
  • the country of exchange
  • the whole experience
* What could be improved?
  • include more universities in england
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? All the necessary and essential information were already provided before going on the program

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.