Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Decision Past Review

By (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 09/16/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

University of Winchester: Winchester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of. I went to this program not knowing anyone I was nervous but the friends and confidence that I gained doing it was worth being nervous. I also gained a ton of patience. This is an experience no matter how annoyed I was with all of the paperwork before going, and sometimes while I was there, was completely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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.

I like how the courses got me out of my comfort zone and made me think another way than what I was used to at my university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a much different atmosphere because there are no roommates or an RA. Which was actually nice once I got used to it. I just wish the other people on the floor were more respectful about what time it is.

* Food:

The dining hall closed at really inconvenient times and wasn't open on the weekends either. Which made it hard if you don't want to go out and eat all the time on the weekends.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was really easy to get involved in things on campus from societies to the themed nights at the vault. The town was my favorite thing about being in Winchester people were nice and most people would strike up a conversation once they heard that I didn't have an accent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A few of my friends had to go to the doctor while we were there and the only complaint they had was that sometimes it was hard to make an appointment.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe whether I was on campus or in town. I also felt safe in other parts of England I visited

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

I would choose the same program because Winchester is an amazing town. Most of my professors were willing to help and answer all of my questions.

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)

I gave it a 2.5 because of the fact that the dining hall closed on the weekends so you either ate a lot of paninis with your dining card or you went out to eat most weekends.

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

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? English and some Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • The people
  • Courses
  • The Campus
* What could be improved?
  • Accommodations
  • Dinning Services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that we had to purchase textbooks, the dining hall closes early and isn't open on weekends, some restaurants close little early as well, big airports are about an hour away, cant call any taxis without a British number.

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.