United Kingdom- Take Me BACK!!! Past Review
By Olivia C (Nursing., University of North Dakota) for
University of Leicester: Leicester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I would've rated it five stars if I wouldn't have had issues with accommodation. I feel like I have grown as an individual and have become more confident in myself. I now know that I can live independently, on a budget, in a foreign country- I dont think many people can say that when they are 20!
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. |
Workload was less than expected throughout the semester however the work that was assigned was much harder and more time consuming than I was used to. Tough grading system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad advisers were ALWAYS helpful and kind. I felt like I could go to them with any questions or problems I had (which I did). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not get the housing that was assigned to me which added a lot of extra stress to being in a different country. I applied for a single room in the catered housing and received a double room in self-catered housing. I needed to buy many things to settle in as well as my own food which I was not prepared for. I was told by the HOST accommodation to accept this housing and that it would be an easy switch for me to get into the housing I applied for, however this never happened and I wasn't able to transfer. The good thing about my housing was that it was close to university and the city center. |
| * Food: |
I had to buy my own food which I wasn't totally prepared for because I was supposed to be on a catered plan. However, I absolutely LOVED going to the market!!! I normally went a couple times a week! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were so many experiences that I had that I wouldn't trade for anything. It has encouraged me to travel again and know that I can do it on my own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no health issues while in Leicester or any safety problems. Though it was a bit scary for me as a girl to have to walk across an unlit park at night to be able to get back to my apartment. My roommate also had a situation in which she got beaten at a club which was very scary to watch and have to go through. Though I think that the study abroad advisers were very kind and helpful throughout the whole process. |
| 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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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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think any student would benefit from a study abroad experience. You meet people from all around the world and become friends with people you will stay in contact with the rest of your life. If you are wanting to study abroad, don't be afraid, do it! |
