I do not want to leave. Past Review

By (Sculpture, University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/25/2015 to 12/12/2015 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 that there are people in Europe that are special enough for my to seriously consider living forever in Europe. It was the best decision that i could've made at this stage in my life. I am very sad to have to have to interact with my European friends through mediations for a long while.

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.

The classes were more self directed than in the U.S.A. so the student should prove to have self-motivation prior to going the study art in London.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy beer from the store and sneak it into pubs as often as possible. Buy beer from the store instead of going to the pub as often as possible. Buy groceries instead of going to restaurants as often as possible. Book flights in advanced from cheap flight hosting sites. Take the bus instead of the tube. Always be on alert of people trying to steal your valuables/wallet while visiting other countries in the E.U. Don't lose your Oyster card.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? N/A

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
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Ben Fitton (Professor)
  • Self-motivated course structure
* What could be improved?
  • Longer Artists talk and Lectures
  • More access to facilities (open for more time of the day)
  • More access to materials (possibly the school could sell some materials that students usually need since it hard to transport and even find materials in London.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I will totally feel like my time there will never be enough time.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Territories of Practice

Course Department: Fine Art
Instructor: Gill Addison, Dave Musgrave, Ben Fitton
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: