Leicester: Home away from Home Past Review
By Caitlyn N (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Illinois State University) for
University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
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? |
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* 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
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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) |
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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 |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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