Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Summer to be Remembered; at Shakespeare's Globe I had the World in my hands. Past Review

By (English Studies, Kean University) - abroad from 06/16/2012 to 07/06/2012 with

AIFS: London - Shakespeare's Globe Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned too much to recount. I learned to take care of myself. I learned that the dive bars have the best fish n' chips. I learned that doing things on your own is amazing, but having a friend to do it with is just as grand. I learned you can get lost very easily in Kensington Park if you forget to take your GPS on your morning run. I learned, most importantly, life is too short to stare at the same four walls every day. the world is big, go see it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

England is by far one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The rich cultural history, architecture and scenery attribute to its wonder.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Aside from the MANY stars to my dorm, which helped keep me active, the dwelling was cozy. I enjoyed the single room that I was assigned and really felt like I had my own space.

* Food:

Try the Indian food in London, believe it or not.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I truly became a Londoner.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All of my health issues were small: colds and adjusting to the weather. Still finding pharmacies was easy and getting medical advice at such establishments was a good experience.

* Safety:

I was advised on which cabs to stay away from, which emergency numbers to call and what bars to steer clear of. I felt like I had the insider scoop on day one1

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

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)

If you plan ahead and do your homework, it is possible. Finding cheap eats and transportation are just a few of the things one must prepare for.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent around 70 US dollars a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? PLan ahead!!!!!!! Save for as long as your can before your trip.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Program Directors
  • Excursion to Paris!
  • Meeting my new life-long friends
* What could be improved?
  • Scheduling was a bit random, events wise.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known a bit more about how cold it would be. I did weather research but London is so unpredictable sometimes.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.