Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Saw/ Experienced more than I could ever imagine!! Past Review

By (Accounting, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/19/2013 to 06/02/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone Sustainability in UK, Session 2

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I learned not only about sustainability in the UK, but also about their cultures. I also gained knowledge about smart travelling and how to be independent and jump out of my comfort zone. I am more aware about different cultures and how we are all connected. It was just a life-changing experience!

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sustainability Capstone Abroad Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sustainability Capstone Abroad Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sustainability Capstone Abroad Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sustainability Capstone Abroad Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sustainability Capstone Abroad Photo

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.

This trip was AMAZING! Cities were exciting; smaller towns were cute and beautiful; people were extremely friendly. I saw more in 2 weeks than I could ever imagine. There was a lot of travelling from place to place, but it was well worth it so that we could see as many places as possible. There were activities, such as hiking Mt. Snowdon and canyoning, that made me feel unlike a regular tourist. You really get the chance to explore and venture out of your comfort zone if you choose! Highly recommend this trip! Eric (the professor) is awesome!!! He was so adventurous with us and easily related to us! He was so funny and made everything fun! However, he was very responsible and serious when the situation called for that. PERFECT professor for this kind of trip!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Make sure you pay attention to anything suspicious on ATMs. Most of the time you pay up at the bar in the pubs so you don't have to worry about the waiter/waitress taking your card from you at the table out of your sight. Split up your money and IDs and always check to make sure you still have your passport and any cards you have with you to keep track of them at all times. I felt safe everywhere I went though!

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)

You can eat out a lot if you want, but it gets expensive. It is definitely possible to eat cheaper though. If you want cheaper food in Dublin, make sure to go outside of Temple Bar (we found that out after the fact). London is quite expensive as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approx $280/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The best way to save money is to eat cheap. Towards the middle of the trip, we started to go grocery shopping for snacks and/or meals to save some of the cost of eating out. We also prepared a couple dinners together which was very cheap splitting it between the whole group.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Canyoning
  • Group bonding
  • Karaoke in Paisley, Scotland
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have packed differently because the 40s-50s over there seemed much colder than those temperatures here. Plus, I wish I would have gone out to experience the nightlife more often.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!