Leicester: Home away from Home Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Illinois State University) for

University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I learned about a completely different place as well as some of the neighbor's cultures. I now see that there are places better than where I came from. I honestly wouldn't mind living over there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Grading system was quite an experience. I am still having a bit of trouble understanding the whole of it. I understand the 2 point system, it is converting it to the grading system that I need guidance in. It was great though to experience such a different culture, though we speak the same language. How they do class work and assessments most definitely differs than what I am used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall the Host Program Administration was extremely helpful. As stated previously if there was a question that I had, they were quick to answer it. They also looked out for our wellbeing as well. I can't really think of a negative, my experience with them was only positive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When it came to housing I did need to buy towels and bed gear. Housing is a bit of a distance from campus and town. If one were to take the bus it is about a 15 minute ride to campus, otherwise it is almost a 45 minute walk. They say that the buses come every 10 minutes when really it takes almost a half an hour, so whoever is going should be at the bus stop really early. I did need to purchase cookware, but I also enjoy cooking.

* Food:

The canteen was probably one of the worst experiences I could ever have there. Most nights were something fried or greased. Their version of a vegetable was a potato. There was always some kind of potato, so of course now I can't stand the starch. The salad was borderline spoiled and you were given only a certain amount of liquids.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great experience. Everyone was always friendly so there was always someone inviting me to go somewhere, even if that meant a trip to the local mall or grocery store.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt perfectly comfortable. I was informed not to travel Victoria park near the school at night, but otherwise it was fine.

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? Be prepared to spend about 40-60. It differed each week if i opted to cook or order some delivery. The canteen does not make lunch, so I had to go and buy food quite frequently or eat a lot of Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I never plan on things breaking down or having the wrong converter. Be sure to bring back up converters and make sure they are the correct kind.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply