Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Trip Past Review

By (Communication, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/13/2015 to 12/21/2015 with

Bangor University: Wales - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to budget, plan trips, solve problems in difficult situations, communicate with others more effectively, more internationally literate.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

You end up living with freshman if you live on campus and as a junior it was tiring because they were messy and loud. But other than that the buildings were nice and the rooms were nice as well. I lived in a building called Alaw.

* Food:

Great Britain isn't known for it's food, but there were some restaurants that had really good food. The Creperie downtown was awesome. Also food in other European countries is great so that's just another reason to travel around when you're there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have a healthcare issue so I don't know.

* Safety:

There were some homeless people, as there are with any urban area, but I never felt unsafe in Bangor.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Wales was not my first choice but looking back I miss that city, it was beautiful in Wales and the city was really fun.

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)

As long as you grocery shopped effectively, you would be fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe 100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work like crazy before you leave. If you study abroad in the fall, sacrifice your summer to save up a ton of money.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • City
  • People
  • Ability to travel elsewhere
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • class structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt pretty prepared besides how bad the hills were in the city.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.