This is what some of our students have had to say about their study abroad experiences:

Sheffield Hallam University

Camille Boillat writes:

My stay in Sheffield will soon be over. I had great time here. I live in a house with 25 students. They are all English and that has really helped me to improve my English, even if the expressions they taught me cannot be used at university! I also tried to avoid other foreign students in order to improve my English! The city is lovely and interesting and a lot of young people live here due to the two universities. I would like to visit more English cities but the cost of travel is very expensive here. Concerning my studies, my courses at Hallam University are really interesting.

Alina Oppikofer writes:

Best wishes from Sheffield!
P.S. Best wishes could be replaced with the local “cheers, love” and please do not be offended (as I was during my first days here) – it is simply a different point of view. Welcome to Sheffield!
P.P.S: Curiosite oblige- it seems there is also “cheers, duck” as you go south – valid alternative, however much less flattering for the human ego!
With scones, flapjacks and a cup of tea
We greet your majesty,
Alina Oppikofer

Laure-Anne Pessina writes:

I have been living in Sheffield for one month, and I find it great and nice. The courses are very interesting and I hope I am going to improve my English.

University of Kent

Pauline Henry writes:

To the English Institute, teachers and students:
I am now nearly at the end of my stay at the University of Kent, Canterbury. I am just writing to give everybody my impression about this Erasmus exchange. I had a great time here. I improved my English quite a lot, especially my understanding of spoken English and, moreover, I learnt some slang words (thanks to my English friends!) which is useful as much as interesting! I met a lot of people, from everywhere in the world (Japan, Germany, USA, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, etc), and some of them have become true friends.
I encourage every student in English who still hesitates concerning the destination of his/her Erasmus exchange to choose Canterbury. It is indeed a really pleasant town, and the campus is great: it is lively, has got a club, a cinema, shops, cafeterias, and a huge library! Moreover, Canterbury is near everything: the big city of London, the North Sea, and the country if you like walking…
So: friendships, good time, sunshine (the “England = bad weather” myth is broken, we had beautiful weather during the 6 months I was in the UK!), happiness, and, of course, improved knowledge in the language and in literature… What else could we ask for???
Best wishes to everybody, and see you all soon!

Marta Carvalho writes:

Just a few words to let you know how things are going on here in Kent. Until now, everything has been all right. Living on a campus is an interesting, enriching and lively experience. With certain advantages, of course, but also with a few inconvenients…I have got nice housemates but unfortunately, we don’t meet very often. Moreover, only one of them is “purely” an English native speaker. In a sense I am somewhat disappointed. The seminars and lectures that I registered in are fascinating. Although, the quantity of reading is absolutely amazing! After a meeting with my Academic Adviser during my first week here, I seriously had to think about the choice of my modules and reconsider my timetable. Indeed, it was too busy and I finally decided to give up some of my modules. Otherwise, everything is going fine. I registered at the Sports Centre and also in some other societies, which gives opportunity to meet people and to practice the language. I also go quite often to the cinema or to the theatre and I have even planned to go to the Circus next week! I have got very busy weeks. How time flies! Being away from home is not that easy but everyone is so lovely here that it definitely makes the situation softer. Thank you for saying a big hello to all the staff at the Institute. I will go home for Christmas on 16th December and I will surely go to Neuchâtel before the break. I look forward to it. Best wishes, Marta