Sunny Beaches and Independence Past Review
By A student (Biology, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/14/2014 with
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (UWI-CHC): Barbados - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot from this program, it was definitely worthwhile. I learned largely to be independent and get around on my own. I had to find places on my own, use the bus system, manage money and largely cook my own food. I got to know students from all over the Caribbean as well as all over the world and get to see some of their culture.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
taking 3 biology courses provided a lot of work outside of class. The lab work was very interactive, either in a botanical garden or on the coast. The library was a resource available and the tutorial sections of the class provided a time for questions and problem solving. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
the administration is very nice but they are a little on the slow side of getting things done. Make sure to stay on top of things that need to be done, such as registration. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Keith Hunte hall was a very nice dorm, large kitchen area, clean facility, just down the hill from campus making it a little bit separated from others but still convenient. Very safe facilities |
| * Food: |
All the food I tried here was very good. They are not too big with spices and the food, for the most part, is simple but good. chicken, fish and rice are staples. There are a variety of places to eat and find food. A couple places on campus as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was not hard to integrate into the local culture. They are nice, helpful people for the most part. Greetings are always required. Men may "cat call" at women but it is harmless. They are more relaxed about some things such as arrival times. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never needed to utilize the health care providers while abroad but the campus has a drugstore that is very useful. |
| * Safety: |
The campus is very safe, with security guards at all entrances. The main towns are also safe enough to walk around alone during the day. I never heard of students having any problems. I felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
The grocery store was rather expensive. I spent around 100USD a week on bus fares, groceries, and other small expenses. You can go to the farmers market on weekends for fresh cheap fruits and vegetables |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100USD per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | utilize cheaper grocery stores such as Cherish in Bridgetown and the Cheapside market on weekends. Try to share pots and pans. When taking a cab somewhere bring as much people to ride along to lower the price. |
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? | Direct Enrollment |
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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| 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? |
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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? | Maybe some easy meals to cook |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
