A total blast: challenging and rewarding! Past Review

By Claire J (English Language & Literature, université Stendhal Grenoble 3) - abroad from 09/28/2012 to 05/28/2013 with

University of Reading: Reading - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Obviously I learnt a lot about the language (but that's the point of my degree, isn't it?) but also the culture and living style. Spent a lot of time visiting the country and saw wonderful places. I also met great friends and very nice people from here and there (basically all around the world, being an exchange student makes you spend a lot of time with other international students). The courses and educational system were also very different from my home country and that was very challenging and I learnt a lot, in terms of knowledge as for my academic skills...

Review Photos

Exchange: Reading - University of Reading Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Did my own arrangements (houseshare) as halls were very expensive.
* Food:	Well, it's the UK...
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Lot's of societies to help you socializing!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	no healthcare experience
* Safety:
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)	UK can be quite expensive as a country, especially near London.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	£100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	You can try to find a job, like language lessons, bar staff,...

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Try not to stick with people from the same country (I mean, obviously you'll spend plenty of time with them, but their not the only persons here...) engage in societies, travel, go to the theatre, enjoy cultural events... Living in houseshares with local people is a good way to speak the target language as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	the human experience very different courses the cultural experience
* What could be improved?	the prices of the sports facilities more courses available for foreign students the prices of the dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Well, I already knew about it but still, the quality of the food...

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Second Language Teaching and Learning
Course Department:	Linguistics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Really good course, comprehensive and interesting. Provided lots of information and theory (many readings, mostly articles). The most interesting part is to produce a very deep analysis of language learning and teaching through personal experience and learning logs. Very demanding course but amazing for future teachers (TESOL or PGCE).
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Introduction to Language Teaching
Course Department:	Modern languages
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	The Teach On! module is groundbraking! It is divided in two parts: Theory and Practice, where international students have the occasion to give their own language course (conversation classes) to local students learning their mother tongue. Asks for full investment -readings, lessons planning, trial lessons and finally atual lessons at least twice a week- but an amazing experience for all the future teachers or just curious students. It's also a very good way to share your own culture in a foreign country. Amazing staff!!!
Credit Transfer Issues: