Uppsala University: Great when you know what you're looking for Past Review

By Bennett P (Mechanical Engineering., University of Rochester) for

Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

I think a warmer place might have been nicer, but I also really appreciated going to Sweden so it's tough to say if I'd change where I went. I did really like the experience though, the people were great although they don't think so (I like how they were humble). There were also some great traditions there that were really fun to try to participate in.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The teacher did a poor job of grading and was unable to actually convince me that he'd read our final papers. The department staff did a great job, and there were some great specialty classes, but the one bad teacher kind of spoiled the experience.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	there were lots of things to do early on to meet people, which was nice. The schedule was thorough and highly useful. my expectations were met and exceeded
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I had to move in the middle because I was with only Swedes who really weren't interested in the same things as me. I was also a long way from campus on Kantorsgatan. It took a long time to walk to the city, not good when the temperature is -10 deg C every day (and night). I moved to Hotel Uppsala in the middle of the city, great location, and lived with a number of international students. I had a great time and still keep in touch with them. Another popular place if you really want to party is Flogsta.
* Food:	They were able to accommodate any dietary restrication in at least one of the nations. I really liked the food that I didn't have to cook it myself. Go to nations for lunch as much as you can, it's good and usually pretty cheap. Also, they have good dinners and INCREDIBLE sunday fikas, but you'll figure out about that later.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The school planned a couple of cool things besides orientation, but you kind of had to go out and find the rest. That being said, there were a lot of clubs and stuff. You could go to sporting events or play yourself. Everyone wanted to have fun.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never got sick and Sweden might be the safest country in the world in terms of muggings. Don't do anything overly illegal because the Swedish police have no problem with subduing suspects. Seriously.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	I didn't spend that much, maybe one or two hundred dollars a month. The most money was spent at the beginning of the trip to on stuff you might need for your room.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Travel was very expensive and time consuming

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
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?	Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Hotel Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I'm of Swedish decent and I don't mind cold weather, so it wasn't a problem for me. The culture and climate is very different from the US, so it was fun to learn from that. There was partying for those who want it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Swedish Language
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Great course, I did basic Swedish 1 despite having a prior knowledge of some of the material. I had a great time and it was a nice, relaxing way to try to learn some Swedish
Credit Transfer Issues:	no, but I did have to make sure I got a grade because my school required an actual grade, not just pass fail

Course Name/Rating:	Swedish History
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a very basic overview of Swedish history (bare bones overview). The teacher did not express an interest in teaching it to us. I am also quite sure that he skimmed the essays for the final and assigned whatever grade he wanted. He was not cooperative when I called him on it.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no