Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Say yes to everything Past Review

By (Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/14/2015 to 12/09/2016 with

University of Sussex: Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned not to be afraid to travel alone (especially as a female traveler). This was the perfect time for me to learn about myself, what I like, and that I can offer myself the best company. The opportunities and experienced I from traveling around the UK and to different European countries if imperative in my belief that the study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile.

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.

Academic rigor is below that of UT Austin's. A lot of time spent learning basic things like how to write and structure an essay.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Kent house is right in the heart of campus. However, the roommates I had did not clean up after themselves thus the housekeepers were not allowed to clean communal areas like the kitchen and the bathrooms. Noise-cut off times agreed upon by our unit were also not followed nor enforced.

* Food:

Many options for international foods and the prices were fair. Nothing extremely amazing though. Don't try their "southern fried chicken" though! It was basically frozen chicken fingers that they reheated and threw on a plate. Two thumbs up for Pearls (Boba tea) on campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With the large population of exchange students on campus, it was difficult to absorb the english culture. I met more non-UK students than UK students which really hindered my cultural integration. There were many opportunities to go to social events and interact. However most of them were geared towards freshmen. So if you're past the "partying" phase and value more meaningful social interaction, you may want to go to social events in Brighton or events geared towards older students/graduate students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

immunization costs were must higher than what I've experience in the US. a TB skin test would cost $15 in the states whereas it would be $90 in the UK. The NHS covers very basic healthcare needs and anything more will have to come out of pocket.

* Safety:

Very safe in Brighton and on campus! I often got to Brighton for Gatwick Airport at late hours and had to take the night bus back to campus. I did not feel threatened at all walking from the train station to the bus stop (~15 minutes) away at 3am in the morning.

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

Sussex was not academically challenging enough for me. I found myself getting bored of the curriculum I chose to take. I also did not like the Brighton based location as I found that it wasnt diverting enough for me. I ending up going to London most weekends as there are more activities to do there.

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)

Food was slightly more expensive but I personally spent no money buying extra clothes/personal items. I focused spending my money on souvenir items or traveling. UK's cost of living is similar to that of Austin so it was manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a running list of the money you spend so you are conscious of what you have left in your budget. I gave myself a monthly budget and stuck to it. If you want, you can break it down by week. When you plan on going out, bring 20GBP for emergency money and stick it in your shoe. Bring another 20GBP for covers/drink cost and use just that!

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Accessibility to Gatwick Airport
  • Near London
  • Opportunities to meet other international students willing to travel with you
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Rigor
  • Too much reading. Not much application of concepts learned in class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I enjoy big cities more than small towns and that I like to be academically challenged. Sussex offers neither. I also wish I explored other schools more in depth than what the study abroad coordinator heavily suggested I go with.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.