Uppsala a European city with an American feel Past Review
By Monica P (Recreation and Park Administration, Illinois State University) for
Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
To just be able to study outside the US and in a foreign country was enough for me. I was very dissatisfied with the academic aspect but loved everyting else. The last two weeks in Europe was the best time of my life and what had made my entire experience worthwhile. I didn't hate my experience nor did I really love it, I am just content that I did go. If I had not studied abroad I would not have made the choices I made to get where I am today when it comes to my major.
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. |
I did not like how we had to do a lot of independent study, that is just not how I like to learn. I also did not like that a majority of our grade was determined by a single paper at the end of the class. Overall I found it very ineffective. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The one person I met of program administration was very kind, caring and somewhat helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was randomly put where I was, away from anyone I knew from the people that came from my school. I was very alienated and felt isolated. However I loved my room and my neighbors but did not like that I was far from where everyone else I knew was staying. |
| * Food: |
Tacos in front of the Uppsala Catherdral, best and perhaps only Mexican food in Uppsala. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program itself did not arrange any trips so I took it upon myself to travel on my own. My last two weeks I traveled with my sister. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Uppsala is probably the safest place to study abroad. I had not realy problems or fears of safety. Then again I did take procautions and kept my guard up when out at day and sometimes during the day. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I tried to spend about 200 kr a week on food which is about 30 dollars. I also had to pay rent which was about 450 a month and inccidentals which kept on adding up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Everything is just more expensive in Europe. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't hold yourself back and try to enjoy yourself as much as you can. |
