Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Biology, Saint Michaels College) - abroad from 09/15/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to live on my own, thrive in some adverse conditions (going abroad is hard at first!), and made some amazing friends. It was 100% percent worthwhile, and I wish I could do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Hard courses, but API helped me select the correct courses for a balanced work load

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Rachel (from API) is amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great! Our flat was in an awesome location in the heart of the city, abut 5 minutes from UCL

* Food:

We cooked for ourselves while abroad

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

London is an expensive city

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Pretty close to 200, about 100 on food, 100 on getting around, entrance fees to different events and such
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Support on the ground in London
  • Housing
  • Domestic Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • International Excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would love it! I would have seriously thought about doing a year abroad instead of one semester.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!