Past Review
By Katharine J (Politics, Drake University) for
AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London
It has made me so much more aware of the world around me. If I could go back right now I would in a heartbeat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Teachers were generally less approachable than at my home university, and grading was much harder. We also only had a midterm, paper, and final for our grades which was much harder. However, this taught me more about education around the world so it was worth it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad advisor was very helpful at Richmond, he was always willing to help with problems and was very understanding. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Ambassador House on Queen's Gate Terrace in Kensington. It was an entire building renovated in to dorms, and was exceptionally old. The facilities were not the best, and the internet was horrible. However, we survived and it was not that awful. The only bad thing was that I requested to room with a person before we left, and were not put together when we arrived. We were able to make some switches happen but it took a little effort. <br /><br /> It was very safe, and easily accessible. The beds were horrible though, it was like sleeping on plywood for the entire semester. |
| * Food: |
Not a whole lot of choices, and the food rarely was cooked to taste well. Breakfast was the only exception. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved going on trips. Being able to travel for so cheap was definitely the best part of the experience! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The Kensington area of London was the safest part of London. It was always clean, police were always patrolling, and everyone was friendly. In general, pretty much all of London is as safe if not safer than the mid-size midwestern town I live in at my home school. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure to have enough money for transportation- the Tube can get to be a little expensive at times, but it is definitely the best way to get around the city. Also, spend more money on experiences, rather than simply going out and getting drunk every night. I am so glad I did not go out all the time, because people could spend $50 a night on drinks because they get so expensive. Cultural experiences and traveling are definitely more worth your time. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | Make sure to have fun. Don't take yourself too seriously, but don't be stupid about getting drunk every night. Take advantage of traveling throughout Europe while you're there, because it is so cheap. It's an amazing experience if you have the right attitude! |
