Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I fell in love with London - I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 09/19/2016 to 01/15/2016 with

University of Hertfordshire: Hatfield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to cope with stress, and gained a broader perspective of the world as well as a greater understanding of myself and who I want to be. It was an invaluable experience, and one that I will treasure for a long time to come.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were informative and interesting, but it was much different than OSU academically because each course only required 2 hours per week of in-class time. Additionally, I only had two big assignments per class (term papers or in-class essays), so a lot of study was self-directed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administrators were prompt, helpful, kind and easy to contact.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flats were very expensive (but that's England) somewhat dingy. I had issues with prompt maintenance for plumbing and heating issues.

* Food:

Normal food in England is bland compared to the states, but there is AMAZING food all over the place in London. I miss it already.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In general, I found British people welcoming and pleasant. However, most of my friends were Australian exchange students, which I think prevented me from getting fully immersed in the culture. I definitely felt like a tourist for the first couple of months.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was notified by my host university shortly after arriving to campus that there was a local meningitis outbreak, and that they recommended getting vaccinated. However, the university health clinic I was directed to was very slow in responding to me, and failed to help me set up a time to get the vaccine.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Hatfield. No issues at all.

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)

England was incredibly expensive. I loved it, but I definitely spent more than I had expected. Overall, I spent about $7,000 in addition to university housing and program expenses, though I did travel a lot around Europe, which hiked up my travel costs. Food and travel within England were especially pricey.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a rail card for the trains, which will save you money on travel to London. Also, book flights for any side trips early, because tickets are cheaper the earlier you get them.

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

  • Apartment
* 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 opportunity to travel to nearby countries
  • the friends I made
  • London itself - it's a spectacular city
* What could be improved?
  • housing
  • cost (but that's unavoidable)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to spend a ton more money than I'd anticipated, and that I should have cherished every single moment because it went by so so quickly.

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.