Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cambride: Friends, cider, and adventure Past Review

By (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/17/2012 with

Valparaiso University: Cambridge - Valparaiso University Study Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the ability to be more adaptable because things will go wrong but that doesn't mean that you won't get a meaningful experience out of it. I learned that there are many more good and trustworthy people out there in the world than there are bad.

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.

Unprepared for the amount of homework we had in comparison to experiences of previous students. Overall, enjoyed the classes though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because we were doing homework most of the time during the week, it was difficult to get out and feel really involved in the culture of Cambridge.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

The pound has a terrible exchange rate with the dollar.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to do group meals when you can. It's both fun and money saving. Try to spend your money on experiences and not just "stuff;" it's much more rewarding.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The highlight was definitely meeting new people both those I studied with and locals or other travelers when I was not in Cambridge.
  • Exposure to different cultures.
* What could be improved?
  • Resident director could be more prepared.
  • Be told of all the extra fees before landing in London.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Always have an alternative plan and research the places you visit as much as possible.