Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget!! Past Review

By (Graphic Design., University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/13/2013 to 12/07/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I became extremely self-reliant and gained a ton of responsibility. While it's a bit cliche, you really do find yourself while your abroad. I thought I would be homesick and sad at times, but it was quite the opposite- My family had to remind me to stay in touch at times. And FRANCE- visiting France was a dream come true. Definitely worthwhile...in fact, that's an understatement.

Review Photos

API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London Photo API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London Photo API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London Photo API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London Photo API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, 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.

I loved the independence and variety of the design program at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. They really encourage you to further teach yourself. However, many of our resources back home are open 24/7, free of charge. The concept of having to pay for printing and that there were indeed closing times for resources such as the library and the print shop, while abroad, took a little getting used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We received e-mails every week from the administrators and they were on campus every week to answer questions or assist in any way- extremely welcoming and accessible!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flat was great while we were there for the most part! We had an awesome location that was walking distance from school and the tube. However, we had many facilities issues such as problems with wifi, mold, broken lights, broken fuses...that were a bit of an annoyance.

* Food:

Dutch pancakes are the best thing I have ever eaten!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I knew my way around London in no time! I definitely didn't feel like a tourist any more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While expensive, walk-ins were easy to find and the nurses were very helpful and kind.

* Safety:

There wasn't a single second I felt unsafe in London.

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)

I definitely learned how to budget- the exchange rate is terrible!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? TESCO will save you money- and WALK. Places are closer than you think- and you'll find more surprises along the way!

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Freedom to experiment with my major
  • Availability to Travel
  • Location and School
* What could be improved?
  • Housing situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I realized I was going to love to travel- I wish I could have visited more places and I would've saved more, if possible- London is expensive!! However, as soon as you go outside of central London, you feel rich...much more affordable!

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.