University of Leicester: The Challenge Past Review
By Katie K (Criminal Justice and Corrections., Illinois State University) for
University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was not worthwhile. I feel if I chose a different university in England I would have enjoyed it much more. I am very angry with University of Leicester for making my study abroad experience difficult.
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. |
I feel as though I learned a lot here. However, the teachers act very negatively towards study abroad students and treat us all like we are here to party. Instead of finals, we are given double the essays per class. This is a good idea in theory, but we get kicked out of the dorms during the 6 week Easter break and are totally unable to work on them. It is very frustrating. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I don't know any strengths, but there are plenty of weaknesses. Faculty was rude and unable to answer questions, I was treated poorly as a study abroad student, and the work load was too intensive. I got put in a senior-level film class when I am a sophomore criminal justice student and was then expected to write an essay on things they had learned years before. I feel like I have been graded unfairly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was fine, although I paid for a "premium" room and did not receive one. Bedding was not included. |
| * Food: |
Food was not pleasant. There was not always a vegetarian option and most meals were, for lack of better word, disgusting. Completely non-nutritional. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I backpacked Europe and it was amazing. I enjoyed my time spend at social events. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not need healthcare, but the insurance did not cover anything if I needed it. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Not a lot, about 10 pounds |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be prepared to purchase your own bedding (sheets, pillow, comforter, etc.) |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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
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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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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? | I would tell them to choose another school. I feel as though Leicester made my study abroad experience an unpleasant one. I wish I would have just backpacked over the summer instead of spending all the money studying here. |
