Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best experiences of my entire life!!! Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 05/20/2012 to 06/14/2012 with

University of the West of England: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made numerous new friends from ISU as well as at UWE and just adapting to a new culture was an incredible experience. It was expensive but absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The UWE campus and facility was incredible and well maintained. The staff were all very knowledgeable and willing to help you whenever you were in need.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and buy groceries and not eat out every day. If you are going to pubs get cheaper drinks at the supermarkets because pints are very expensive.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 amounts of incredible things and unique places we saw during the trip.
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't have this problem but I guess some of the host families were very strict about water and electrical use. So I guess just have host family evaluations.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to spend as much money at the beginning on food and drinks. Learn the bus routes before I got to the different destinations. Have some basic french phrases memorized for when we went to Belgium.