Making the Most of Getting Evacuated Past Review
By Taylor W (History And Political Science, Presbyterian College) for
University of Wales - Trinity Saint David: Carmarthen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned I can be put in any situation and live with it. Its a lot about being content, not always looking ahead to the future. I also learned I am very sensitive to black mold. It made me realize I can be content in a different lifestyle in which I sit and drink tea with friends and just relax. I still want to go back to Egypt and pursue those interests in working with other people. It made me realize how much I want to work with other people in the volunteer type arena and how much I miss volunteer work when I don't have it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It took a while to get used to the different grading system, but I ended up learning a bit from the paper writing process. It is different in that there is a lot more student responsibility in learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Were helpful in arranging doctors visits and planned nice weekend adventures. However, there was little communication between them and other departments. There was little effort in trying to help figure out solutions to problems encountered. Some students had more success in working with the department. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was nice in that we had our own room and bathroom. However, there was a problem with black mold in the bathroom. Shared kitchen with 7 other flat mates. Really close to class. Had to provide all own dishes, towels etc. Sheets were included. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
health care was marvelous, but much different from the american system. we had access to the health facilities and did not have to pay for the services or prescriptions |
| 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? | A lot. Living is much more expensive in the UK. I would usually go to the store once a week and would spend around 40 pounds, and this was just bare necessities, oatmeal, fruits and veg, peanut butter, chicken breast. I would also usually get take out a few times a week to supplement. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | make yourself cook as much as possible, cook with friends. save up a lot for travel, train tickets/hostels/food add up really quickly. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who wants to go abroad, but is hesitant to go somewhere too exotic. Not too much culture shock and pretty easy to adapt to. Someone who enjoys hiking and nature, I had some lovely adventures and saw some beautiful sights. |
