Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fantastic experience that I hope to have again in the future Past Review

By (Marketing And International Business, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/31/2012 with

University of Leeds: Leeds - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new insights into a fantastic culture. I became more independent and discovered my love for traveling, other cultures and other people. It was definitely a worthwhile experience that I hope everyone has the opportunity to take part in.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program director in Leeds was absolutely amazing and gave me access to various cultural experiences that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great because it allowed me to interact with various people from countries around the world.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was told that I had no coverage at the University Health Center because I was a student there for less than 6 months. It was difficult to have to find a walk in clinic while I was ill.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Leeds. There were discussions about muggings that had taken place in the Fall but my peers and I never had a safety issue.

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)

Since housing was separate from the University I had to purchase my own food. This can get expensive while abroad because you are doing weekly food shopping in addition to spending money on other items.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money ahead of time. Make sure you buy in bulk and set aside certain amounts of money for shopping, food, cultural experiences, transportation etc.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural Experiences
  • The Campus and Housing
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-Departure prep from my home university
  • budgeting help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I truly knew how expensive it would be to live abroad. I feel like all of the monetary information I was given before my departure was lower than what I actually spent.