Past Review
By Megan K (BS Biology, Valparaiso University) for
Valparaiso University: Cambridge - Valparaiso University Study Center
Yes, it was worthwhile. I can't really say at this moment all that I gained from it, because I think I will be finding more things I've gained even after I've graduated.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Loved Prof. Murphy's history class. You cannot miss it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Mark Farmer is a BRILLIANT study abroad director. He puts in twice the amount of time and effort he has to for us; going that extra mile has really put us all at ease and helped us enjoy our time here more. Kudos, Mark! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Old, but repairs are happening now. Give the director a bit more money for the place, it would be well-needed and well-spent. <br /><br /> Location was really good--right down the street from the City Centre. Not as close as the handbook makes it seem, though! But a 10-minute walk gets you to groceries, nightlife, and shopping. |
| * Food: |
Couldn't really say much about the food, as I cooked a lot of it myself. I liked to see the cooking skills of my housemates develop over time. Advice: when in doubt, buy Nutella! Also, Cambridge has more ethnic restaurants than Valpo (hooray!), but no Mexican, so beware. My housemates brought Kraft Mac and Cheese over so that she could eat it! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Loved England, but I've said that. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health here is SO MUCH BETTER than America, I didn't worry at all. The UK is a socialist country, so health is payed for by the govt. I felt very safe the whole semester. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 spent MUCH MORE than I thought I was going to. I have gone through over $2000 this semester, and that's being frugal. I didn't live in a box, but I did stay in some crappy hostels. Just remember that it costs to get over to the continent, whether by the Eurostar (Eurail only gives you a discount)or a budget airline. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | See above. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
In travel, I did get to get out the rusty bits of foreign language that I did know, and to learn some new words. At home in England, I didn't need another language, but even so, travel made me broaden those language horizons. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you feel like your experience at Valpo so far is inadequate, study abroad. I spent a lot of money, but the return on it in perspective and experience was far greater. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Twentieth Century British History |
| Course Department: | HIST |
| Instructor: | Mike Murphy |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very good and heartily enjoyed class by all the students this year who took it. This will be one of the most memorable classes of my college career, and certainly an English culture experience. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | n/a |
| Course Name/Rating: |
British Wildlife and Conservation |
| Course Department: | BIO (at Anglia-Ruskin) |
| Instructor: | Shiela Pankhurst |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Loved the course, which was a transfer credit course for me. I recommend taking a course with Anglia-Ruskin, but be prepared for the nightmare that is paperwork and the government-run University. Actually made me miss Valpo's system, it was that bad! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Don't hope I will, but I'm about to find out. |
