Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An incredible experience that I would recommend every college student to try. Past Review

By (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 05/16/2012 with

Valparaiso University: Cambridge - Valparaiso University Study Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much cultural experience. I lived in England so I experienced that culture directly for an extended time. I also traveled to about 9 different countries, so I experienced all of those cultures. I learned a lot about myself and who I am as a person as I became independent by living abroad for 5 months.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved the house, the perfect setting to study abroad.

* Food:

We cooked our own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We aren't very integrated with the culture. We are basically in our own little Valpo bubble in Cambridge. You have to try hard to get involved in the direct culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had a problem.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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)

If you want to live on a cheap budget, you are able to.

* 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? 30 GPB = $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Aldi's.

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?
  • Living in the city of Cambridge, England
  • The Valpo Cambridge program is very convenient, I didn't have to worry about anything.
  • The group trips were always fun and educational.
* What could be improved?
  • Be more integrated with Anglia Ruskin University so we can get involved more easily.
  • Spend more time in London on the group trip.
  • Let students vote on excursions and what we do on group trips because we are paying for it (I had to attend and pay for 3 plays that I was not interested in, one would have been sufficient).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A lot of information about traveling, like using the Britrail or Eurrail passes, how to book trains and flights, safety during travel.