Randolph College Abroad: Program in England

I highly recommend this program. Excellent value. Great experiential learning opportunities. Good combination of learning, exploration and fun. The faculty and staff were wonderful. This is a life-changing experience.

This was a wonderful experience. The people involved in the program both on campus and in England were always there to help if you needed it. The classes were amazing. As a history student, being able to visit the places you have studied is unbelievable. I took courses on Medieval History which were fascinating. There were several trips to different parts of England and Wales that were part of the program. Even though they were educational, they were so much fun. I even got to travel around Europe during breaks which is amazing to do. I made wonderful friends and had unique experiences during my time abroad. I wouldn't change a thing and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to experience new things.

When I first arrived in Reading, the most difficult challenge I faced was finding a line-up of courses which I had not previously taken back home in the US. Being an upper-class student going into Reading can be quite challenging, because Reading University is only designed for 3-year students, so course options can be very limited by the time Randolph/US University students arrive in third year.

I had so much trouble putting together a course schedule that worked, that my course selections were based merely on what I COULD take, rather than what I wanted to take. Eventually I made a schedule that worked, but my professors would add extra meetings, or on one occasion, my professor actually FORGOT to come to class and had to reschedule for a different day. The result was that all my courses over-lapped and I missed important classwork.

The courses were nothing but challenging though, and certainly put my brain power to the test. I took strong interest in each class I eventually signed up for, and found myself rather eagerly awaiting classes each week. Professors were always simple to contact, and remained after class for questions. I found even for my enormous lecture classes, my professors learned my name just because I took the time to approach them. I definitely would encourage any future students to take the time to initiate conversation with each professor.

The rest of the program was the most comfortable and amazing experience I could have hoped for while living abroad. The staff was excellent at catering to the students' needs, and supported us as we ventured into the community. Reading can be at times a dangerous town to be out in, very unlike the area of the US which I was fortunate enough to grow up in. All students I had the opportunity to meet carried assault alarms with them, something I never felt I needed to carry prior to my time in Reading. As long as students remain cautious, Reading is a safe enough town, and has its charm.

This review/comment section was not meant to sound so negative along the lines of scheduling and safety in the community, but I'd like future students to be aware of the potential difficulties which may arise during a study abroad session here, or anywhere for that matter.

Would recommend to any and everyone who is interested in a challenging program abroad! The courses are challenging and interesting the tutors are excellent. The living quarters are very convenient to the campus and to the bus stop which goes right into town. The train to London is easy to get to and runs often. The university is open and accepting to the students. The winter and spring breaks make traveling on the continent easy and enjoyable.

Although it has been over 20 years that I spent my junior year abroad with Randolph-Macon Woman's College, I can still recall vividly so many of my experiences! Academically, the program was setup to allow the students to not only study the history and culture of Old Britain, but live it as well through amazing field trips and excursions. There were also opportunities to attend classes at Oxford! So much of the learning was practical and experienced through all the senses; seeing flying buttresses, tasting pub food,tea and scones, smelling fresh countryside,feeling dark, tight spaces while walking up bell towers, hearing the hustle and bustle of London streets. And this is the least that you'll do. We all took the opportunity to travel all throughout the year as that was part of our learning. I was in Cairo for Christmas, Edinborough for New Year's, Corfu for spring break and Amsterdam on a last minute weekend trip on the fly. And that's only the beginning. I also became involved at the Student Union working at the Mandela Bar which provided the chance to meet alot of students. This put us in touch with several sports teams, drama clubs, debate clubs, etc where we also became involved. All in all, this was the most incredible experience that could never be replicated. I had many experiences, saw several countries, meet plenty of people, some of whom I still keep in touch with today. Just last month I received a care package with momentos from the Royal Wedding. Everyone needs a Will and Kate tea towel! If you have this chance, take it!

I have to say that my junior year abroad had a huge impact on my life. The seminars that we took as a group - traveling to historically significant locations throughout Great Britain - were wonderful. I loved the interesting old houses we lived in, and really really enjoyed the long vacations. I spent those traveling in Europe! Spending the entire school year there, as opposed to just a semester, was particularly wonderful.

This was a fantastic program. I was living with other American students, but totally connected to the British students and classes. The seminars taught specifically for students in this program were great too!

Attending Randolph College's Reading Program was the most enriching academic, social and personally broadening experience of my college years. This particular program allows for a full academic year of study along with opportunities for extensive travel during that time. I found this arrangement particularly appealing and rewarding.

The staff is both helpful and protective but not overly so by any means. You are encouraged to make responsible adult decisions and independence is fostered. With that said, staff is available at all times to listen and help the students with any issue or concern.

Biggest difficulty: remembering at all times to look for oncoming traffic correctly before crossing the street.

Greatest delights: London on weekends, refined manners among the English, extensive travel, challenging academics.