Sussex/Brighton was a great experience; lots of culture, independence, and fun Past Review
By Lina K (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 06/14/2013 with
University of Sussex: Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Definitely a worthwhile experience, it was difficult in the beginning because there was about three days of orientation and then you are completely on your own, but I would definitely do it again. While it does not sound like the typical study abroad experience, I had a great time at in Brighton, there is so much to between pubs, the pier, seafront, north laines, concerts, and the fringe festival. I had a great time with the international students, and enjoyed the classes. I would definitely recommend going, but you have to overcome not having any guidance and feeling a little lost in the beginning.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very independent, intelligent specialized lecturers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was very friendly and responded quickly and helpfully to all emails. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I got the dorm I requested (East Slope) and it worked out well for me, however it was in worse conditions and more loud than described on the site. |
| * Food: |
I rarely ate on campus because there is no meal plan-- the kitchens were nice and the co-op is a good place to buy food temporarily, but would be too expensive to use as one's main grocery store. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was not that integrated because I happened to be in a dorm with all international students, and it was difficult to meet people in large lecture classes. However, it was easy to get into Brighton and we went most days. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Because I was only there for 5 months, I had to pay a lot if I wanted to use the on campus health services. However, there are free clinics in Brighton which I used twice. This is more of a hassle, but free. |
| * Safety: |
Both the campus and Brighton felt very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It costs 3 pounds to get a bus day ticket, or 10 for the week pass, and the conversion rate is not very good. It costs a lot to really immerse yourself and do a lot. The amount of alcohol you drink is a large factor and part of the culture. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How independent it is. |
