Leicester: A Second Home For Life Past Review
By Erin R (N/A, Illinois State University) for
University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I am now a more experienced traveller. I also look to make friends with everyone, as they can become a family for life. I realized not all cultures are the same, and depending on where you are, you should respect their traditions in the best way that you can.
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. |
The grading system is a bit confusing as they use the 2 point system. It is easy to figure out though what your grade is back here because there are handy applications online that will figure it out for you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were quick to respond and were helpful. The only problem I did have was when I asked one of the representatives if I would need a visa since I extended my stay. She said no, i should be fine. Throughout my second semester, if ever I left the UK, which I did 3 times during the break, I was given unbelievable grief from border control. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The first thing I told new internationals was to prepare for the canteen, after that experience they would wish they had their old universities options. The food was at some times a little scary. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They have pub crawls for the internationals which are really helpful as you get to know all the internationals, then at the end you go to events where the locals are located and get to know them as well. It is a great way to meet people in a carefree environment, while at the same time being delicate as to not rush the new students in blindly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There were police patrolling and I saw little violence. I heard about it from other areas, but i personally never had any issues. The only thing i could say is that late at night, be sure to have a buddy with you when in the city centre as it can be a bit discomforting in certain areas. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | Be prepared to spend a good amount on food and personal expenses as you are only fed 2 times a day, and most times it is not worth eating. As well as that since the converting of the money is so much higher, daily use products are really expensive. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Only take out a certain amount of money a week. It will keep you in budget as well as conscious of your spending habits. |
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
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be close-minded. There are people out there who want to be your friend, but if you don't let them in, they won't bother with you. |
