Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best of England Past Review

By (English, Berea College) - abroad from 01/08/2015 to 04/04/2015 with

University of Winchester: Winchester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made some fantastic friends, and with them I got to experience a bit of British culture -- or British uni culture, at least. Also, experiencing a different academic system, one in which I was able to focus more specifically on my chosen field of study, was beneficial. Winchester is a charming, historic, safe, small city with a good community; it is a pleasant place to be, and it is only about an hour away from London by train. In these respects, it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

While my room was clean when I arrived, the rest of the residence hall was often dirty, smelly, and quite loud. The shower had a few malfunctions as well.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues, though I believe that if I were to have questions or concerns, I would have had little trouble finding assistance.

* 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)

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

  • 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?
  • Module subject matter
  • Friendly people
  • Great location
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Dining hours (clearer communication)
  • Catering plan
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? For me personally, I think I would have been better off challenging myself more by going to a different country, one that is more distant culturally from America. About the university itself, I wish I'd known that American students are automatically placed in catered housing, even if you requested non-catered, that there is a fee to move to a different room once you've arrived, and that in catered housing you won't have access to a stove/oven.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!