Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

England Study Abroad Past Review

By (History and classics, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/26/2015 to 06/19/2015 with

University of Nottingham: Nottingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While here, I learned a great deal about different education systems and the various differences between UK and US culture. I met so many people and made great friends in the process. It was certainly an experience I am glad I did.

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.

Courses were run differently in the UK compared to my liberal arts college. Most notably, there was less focus on student innovation and less room discussing student ideas.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Large rooms, great people, and bars in the halls make for a fun and enjoyable living-learning environment.

* Food:

Catered halls are not phenomenal, but food is edible and there is usually enough choice. Flexible meal card for lunch allows for more variety and usually better food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

People wanted to interact, and there was a lot of opportunity for mutual exchange. I made a great deal of friends who taught me much about what it means to be English and the variety of cultures in England.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues, but I was mostly aware of where to go if I did.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while out.

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)

I did not have much money but was still able to have fun and enjoy my time abroad.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Drinking and going out cost a lot, but on the direct exchange, it shouldn't be much different than at home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Other students in halls and classes
  • Classics program had strong professors
  • Being immersed in culture
* What could be improved?
  • Less rigidity on views in classes
  • More clear communication at start of program
  • More organized weekend trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would have been nice to know not to worry about logistics as much as I did. Everything went smoothly, and I spent too much time planning on contingencies that were highly unlikely.

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!