Absolutely Amazing Past Review
By Kaitlin M (Sociology/Political Science, Illinois State University) for
Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about myself and open my lens through which to look at the world. I have never experienced anything the way I did in Sweden.
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. |
The workload was what I expected. I took four classes and I had two classes going on at one time which in unusual for the way the university structures the class schedules. Normally, the class are in block schedules. I did not have my classes like this. I did have classes which overlapped so I had to decide which one to go to that day. The grading system was pass/fail so I had to make sure my teachers knew I needed a ECTS grade for each of my course. The teachers did not tell you what to read. It was up to me to figure out what was important for each lecture and seminar. The main difference between Uppsala University and Illinois State University was Uppsala was much more self-discplined. It was up to you to decide how much you wanted to learn. It was a great university and I learned quite a lot. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was well orgaized and I never had any problems. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Flogsta which is the farthest from town so biking was necessary. It was about a ten minute bike ride into town. I brought a lot of stuff with me like sheets but had to buy pillows and more homey items for my room at IKEA. |
| * Food: |
I did not have any problems. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to travel to Helsinki, Finland, London, Barcelona, and Paris. It made studying abroad a very wonderful experience. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in the country of Sweden. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None. I knew how much to bring and amde sure it lasted. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone spoke English and it was never a problem with everyday interactions. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone who is wanting to experience life at the fullest. |
