UK Study Abroad: A Unique Experience Past Review
By Michele T (Anthropology/Archaeology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for
University of Worcester: Worcester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It has helped me to gain information about different education systems and about the local culture that I have not even thought about. I have been culturally aware of what has been going on around me, and after awhile, I became even more keen on even smaller differences between people from different regions.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload is not bad at all (at least for me). The grading system is different, but not too complicated to wrap your head around- all you need to do is ask. However, because your entire grade depends on only two or three assignments, the grading of those assignments seems as though it is harder. Especially since I am used to doing work throughout the semester so that I am used to writing and completing projects, but here I didn't have that luxury. We are also given books to read, but not told what to read, so it's mostly an estimated guess as what needs to be read. I did like the teaching methods though; the first part of class is spent in lecture and the second half is spend doing a practical. There were many guest speakers and a few field trips which really helped to contribute to the learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The services were easily accessible, and if you had any questions, there was usually someone around who can point you in the right direction. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Go food shopping at Sainsbury's or Tesco's. There is also the Co-op store which is closer to campus. Check online too because you can order from those places to deliver to your dorm. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trip arranged by the Archaeology department for the freshmen and other new students. It was a camping trip essentially lasting two days, but it was a wonderful way to interact with the other students and professors. I made friends that day that eventually threw a suprise birthday party for me in December. I will not forget the friends I made while I was there, local or international. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It is safe and I haven't had any major incident where I was in danger. I was able to ask questions to faculty and staff at the university about healthcare and prescription medicine and was able to register with a local GP (or doctor). There is a health and wellness fair during Fresher's week, so be sure to attend! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be afraid to talk to a variety of students, including other internationals. There is a lot that you can learn from other students studying abroad as well as from the locals. I am a timid person when it comes to meeting new people, and I somehow found it easier to interact when I was abroad. |
