Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Growth in a Happening Small University City Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/14/2016 to 01/13/2017 with

Bangor University: Wales - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a transformative experience, and one in which I got to meet the most amazing friends imaginable from all around the world. I starting to learn a new language, one that I will be able to continue using back home. It also allowed me to view my studies and future in a new light.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Easy shopping and kitchenettes. No dining halls!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mostly Local student 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

I met such amazing people, and had such a great time that I would not want to exchange my experience for anywhere else.

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)

Extraordinarily affordable. Food is cheaper than the US, and you can walk almost everywhere.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40-50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You can study any European Language, but the local language is Welsh.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Not Really.

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
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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 Location
  • The People
  • The Study
* What could be improved?
  • 1 semester is too short
  • The academic year is very brief!
  • Exams before Christmas are challenging to study for.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much effort was too much for my assignments. (A gauge of what the professors wanted).

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.