England: I want to go back, NOW! Past Review

By Jacob B (Economics, Hamline University) for

University of York: Heslington - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My abroad experience has changed my outlook on my future vocational ambitions. I would now like to work in England and will be applying for jobs there come this December. I feel as if I am now more open to world cultures and have more respect for different parts of the world where I otherwise wouldnt have interest. I now have a higher culutal awareness and respect for the varies cultures around the world and I would travel back in a heartbeat.

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.	I was enrolled in 3 courses at the University of York as well as a part-time internship through the university. The registration process was very smooth gien the guidence of our Hamline representative. Each course was set up very different than the Hamline curiculum that I was used to. I attended weekly lectures but all outside learning was dependent on how much time I wanted to spend working on each course subject. This altered learning experience was very difficult at first because there was little ambition to do outside work without a weekly assignment due. This all changed as the year progressed as final papers/test due dates became more prevalent. In the end, my educational experience was a success. I got through my classes without any problems and adapted to the english learning way.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	All of my expectations were met. I was given a plethora of knowledge regarding the city/surrounding cities and of the culture in which the city was known for. We went on several short excursions around the city where we learned of architecture, famous ruins, museums, etc... Susie was very accessible by phone/email and I had no trouble reaching her if or when I needed something. I felt as if she did a great job with every aspect of my experience abroad.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was lucky to get a double room at the University of York. I had more than enough space, a sink, two closets and two beds all to myself, it was great. I couldnt have asked for better roommates who told me not to buy any kitchenware and to feel free to use their cookware instead of spending more money. My roommates became some of my closest friends and I spent loads of time with them and their friends around school/town/pubs etc... My location was very close to the city center and easily accessible by bus/bike.
* Food:	I am the least picky person when it comes to food, Ill eat anything. There were several options with our school meal plan so I always found something that I enjoyed eating.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	My most memorable event was a short day trip we took to a coastal English city known as Scarborough. I very much enjoy the coast and Scarborough had everything for me, the ocean, a large fishing harbor, a castle, and beautiful scenery. We spent the day on the beach, at Scarborough Castle and sampling local food fair, it was great.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Overall safety and healthcare was more than satisfactory. The one tip of advice I would give is do not walk anywhere alone, not that it is extremely dangerous, its just not something anyone should ever do.
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)