Turn back the clock July 23, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The overall educational experience was less than favorable. I felt like I was not supported in the best way which led to many challenges and problems I had to navigate on my own. Firstly, I had to register for my courses once I was physically on campus. I personally was not officially registered for classes until the seventh week of class due to poor communication and lack of information. By then, I was restricted from registering for a full course load because of how late into the semester it was. Professors are not the most accessible and only accepted questions and offered feedback up a week before the deadline. I did not know where to find the writing center or get academic support, I felt like I was completely on my own. Even when I would ask for help, I was always referred to links and handbooks. Even though I've been in higher education for the past three, I feel like my experience abroad was a complete shift from what I had been used to and I was overwhelmed by this change. The University of Nottingham needs to treat their exchange students as such, as guests, instead of like any of other student who has been immersed in the English education system and its expectations.

On-site administration of your program

I felt the program administration was nonexistent. There was a lack of consistent communication; I never had a point person I could reach out to for my problems. I always had to reach out to a specific person or department for a specific problem which I didn't always have the information for. I don't even think there was a proper student abroad exchange program director or coordinator. I never heard from them, and if I did, it wasn't clear who they were.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accommodation halls were satisfactory. I had a 3/4 bed, and a sink in my room. Additionally, I had a fridge and a kettle. My only problem was the mold that grew around my fridge due to its close proximity to the carpet flooring. I tried to clean it myself however, it just grew back within a few weeks time.

The food was not the best, both in quality and quantity. In the accommodation halls, we were granted breakfast and dinner. However, dinner ended at 7pm which I think is far too early. I never had a meal that left me feeling full and I would almost always get hungry again around 11pm, being forced to spend an excessive amount of money of food delivery/takeout or snacks. i couldn't even cook for myself as the accommodation halls didn't have any stoves, only a microwave and a toaster. For lunch, we were given a balance on our ID cards to spend at one of the shops on campus, 25 pounds. Which would last me Monday-Friday, however, on weekends, I didn't have any money and had to spend from my own pocket.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I didn't have that much of problem integrating in the local culture. The United Kingdom is similar to the US in some ways. And if there were moments I felt a cultural disconnect, I had peers who were from the UK helping me shine light on those questions that I had.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't think I can answer this question properly due to me not utilizing the health services aside from COVID testing.

I felt like the city was relatively safe. I never felt like I had any issues with security assurance both on campus and off.

I only say no if the program remains the way it is. I feel like this experience could have been much better if I was prepared and given the tools I needed to succeed. I would have gotten a visa so I can legally work, I would have been more prepared for the poor communication between departments and course enrollment, and I would have been more cautious about coursework and its major differences. I would say my biggest difficulties were the educational and financial aspects.

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

Living in the United Kingdom unemployed was the biggest mistake I made. I found myself running out of money very quickly. With the high prices for food and personal experience combined with the exchange rate, the deductions per week were ridiculous.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Local Students

• Living independently in a different country
• Getting a more global perspective
• Transferable financial aid

• Visa/Employment
• Academic Support
• Communication