A new educational setting and nice country to experience, but many letdowns Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some physics electives were rigorous, but other courses were much less rigorous than my home institution. Classes very heavily based on lectures, which always happen in huge lecture halls. Very little help outside of class. No teaching assistant, and office hours are almost non-existent

On-site administration of your program

Administration was slow and frustrating. I guess part of it is because the university is so big, but I think they could have been more responsive and knowledgeable in helping exchange students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was very good

I would much rather be in a hall where I can cook for myself. The dining hall food was subpar, but most annoyingly, the dining hall staff was very strict on the portion - you can only take what was allowed, and most of the time that means not enough for me to be full. I am very small and I didn't have enough food. I don't know how others do it. Going to the dining hall was always so stressful, because I don't know how much I have to take and will get scolded if I take more than allowed. Would really appreciate it if they list somewhere how much is allowed

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was a buddy program with local student, but that was it. We were housed with other exchange students, so no integration at all.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No healthcare except for emergency situations if you're only there for a semester

No concerns

I didn't have a lot of study abroad program choices, so I ended up with this one. I wouldn't choose it again since I didn't get the cultural exchange experience I was hoping for, though it was a nice shift to a big university environment (which, objectively, wasn't anywhere near as good as my home institution - it's the "once and never again" kind of experience, not because it is good but because it's worth trying)

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

As the room and board has been included in the program fee, I didn't not to spend much except for extra food, as the meal plan is super limited

Select all that apply

• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students

• Big university experience
• The city (Nottingham)
• The country

• Administration
• Integration for exchange students
• Food

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer