The Best Experience a 21 Year Old Could Ask For Past Review
By Deanna Q (Marketing/Sales, Illinois State University) for
University of the West of England: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I understand that people's different cultures can really impact their way of life. And that living within a different culture is the first hand learning. I learned so much from just being involved in another country. This has changed me by not being as judgement toward others differences
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. |
I thought that the work load was good while we were abroad. And although I understand that we were getting 6 credit hours for the course, I thought that the we were overloaded with homework for the course when we got back. It took me hours upon hours to finish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expections were met. I thought that the strengths of the program was administration in Bristol. They were so accomadating and made me feel comfortable. Also I really enjoyed all the classes. They were hands on so I was not bored at all. I also loved the fact we lived with a host family. I learned a great amount from her. And I really can not think of one weakness. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host mother. See was so nice and made me feel at home. She treated us like princesses. We just had to select a roomate and list any alergies etc. and ISU placed us. At first we were placed with a lady that had cats. My roommate was alergic and I despise them. So we easily were switched with some other girls in our group. We had to take a bus to class but we were close to the nighlife and to the others in our group. |
| * Food: |
The food was wonderful! She also made us eat alot. Needless to say I was never hungry. I thought that every place I ate at was great. I loved the Mud Dock dinner. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved going to Bath, that was beautiful. I also really enjoyed going to the farwell dinner and meeting Adrian from NATO. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was a breakout of Ecoli when we were England. They really did not give us any advice. I did not really get to find out a lot about there healthcare. We had to figure it out on our own. As far as general safty; I felt very safe, our professors warned us as to what area to stay away from. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 150 to 200 for going out, lunch, and miscellaneous stuff like shopping/ souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was well informed. I would exchange your money before because it was always annoying to try to find a currency exchange abroad. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The type of student that would fit great is someone that is open to change. My words of wisdom is to have fun and love the difference of cultures! |
