Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Four Months of My Life Past Review

By (University of San Francisco) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 05/02/2019 with

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a personal confidence that I never had before. It’s a bit difficult to explain, but the people and experiences helped me come out of my shell and taught me to be more independent. I also learned how to say “Where’s the restroom?” and “I’d like to order..” in six different languages! It was EXTREMELY worthwhile! The program truly changed me and I’m so happy I got to visit the country of my dreams with a program so dedicated to giving students an international education.

Review Photos

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You’re expected to do more work and be more prepared for classes than I was used to from my home institution. Also, papers (lengthy ones) are their method of testing! Another thing I was not used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think three people in my room size was a bit small but manageable.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

So accessible! And appointments were usually made for day of or next once requested.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My time in London was truly the best experience of my life thus far. I never knew how much a city and a group of people could change me. From the get-go, I knew London was the place I was meant to me and going with AIFS made it easy to do so. AIFS was affiliated with my university, meaning I’d only have to pay whatever tuition I was already paying with no additional or hidden fees. After applying to AIFS’s London Program, I was accepted within a few days and knew it was the right choice for me. Leading up to my departure for London, all AIFS staff were super helpful in responding to any and all emails I sent in addition to following up asking if there was anything else they could do for me. Once I got to London, the support continued and it was especially nice because I was so far from home. The AIFS staff and fellow program attendees became my new family! I met so many wonderful people from all over the US and Europe and created friendships I know will last a lifetime. One thing I loved about AIFS was our free weekend trips to Brighton and Cambridge. We spent full Saturdays in towns outside of London which were absolutely amazing! AIFS also took us to see a West End show, which is SO up my alley, being a fellow lover of musicals. I can’t say enough great things about London and AIFS.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work before & SAVE.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • the people
  • AIFS support
  • included amenities
* What could be improved?
  • the food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I was going to actually spend! But I guess that varies depending on how much you eat out or travel.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.