Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

What a learning experience! Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/04/2013 to 06/08/2013 with

University of Sheffield: Sheffield - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. Sheffield wasn't my favorite city, but it was a good university, and I learned a lot by being immersed in a new environment. I was able to meet lots of people and travel to other places as well. I feel more prepared for future travel and interactions with different cultures. I feel like I've grown and learned.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes were just as rigorous and interesting as what I'm used to at UT.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Registration for classes was confusing and frustrating. Once I was registered, it was okay. I think more of the orientation should have been focused on helping us get registered and familiarized with resources we'd use often, like the library and students' union. Perhaps an assigned advisor or someone specific to email with little questions would've been nice too.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host university made no mention of housing options besides the dorms/halls they offered in which all international students are grouped together. After some research, I realized you can find your own housing, which is much cheaper and allows you to live with local students. Finding my house took a lot more research and stress that could've been made much simpler.

* Food:

Most food I had out was quite a bit more expensive and not as good as what I'm used to in Texas.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I hurt my knee at the beginning of my program, and I was able to get a non-NHS GP to see me. They filed my insurance claim for me, so I didn't have to pay anything up front. I wish there had been more doctors I could choose from.

* Safety:

My housemates and I never had a problem with safety. I did hear of a friend of a friend getting robbed one night, so it just goes to show that you should always be careful when you're alone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop for private housing instead of dorms and book all your travel in advance.

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

  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • learning new things
  • experiencing a new culture
* What could be improved?
  • consistency with UT advisors
  • a singular host university advisor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Sheffield was not my cup of tea. I think I would have had a better time in London or a couple of the other UK cities I visited, but I can see how many students would enjoy Sheffield.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.