Studying in London - best thing I've ever dnoe Past Review
By Ellie C (Professional Writing, Capital University) for
API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London
Studying abroad changed me in more ways than I can express. I became very confident and independent while in London. I spent a lot of time exploring the city by myself, which has made me feel more prepared to go out into the real world after graduation. My entire experience abroad, and with API, was positive. The worst part about the whole thing was leaving London at the end of my program. After studying abroad, I now have a desire to see more of the world. I think I have a greater understanding of other cultures and different people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teaching methods were a lot more laid back than I was used to. Instructors expect students to take their learning into their own hands by reading on their own. However, I learned a lot of technical skills with the help of my instructors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My resident director was great. Not only did she take us on trips and cultural events that introduced us to things we would not have otherwise known about, but she was very helpful. She was always available to answer questions about everything from the best way to travel to Paris to how to adapt to the English school system. She was very good at keeping in contact with us throughout the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in university housing in a flat with 6 other students. We each had our own room and bathroom and shared a kitchen and common room. The facility was really nice - it had only been open for a year or so. The location was also pretty great - there were a lot of places around us and we weren't too far from the Underground. |
| * Food: |
I tried not to spend a lot of money on food so it was just satisfactory. The English aren't really known for their great food, but the fish and chips were great! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There is so much to do in London! I spent time going to parks, professional shows, museums, movies, historical sites, famous locations, markets, pubs... I think it is actually impossible to run out of things to do in London. API was also really great at taking us around London and England. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't have any problems with health. I got a few colds, but nothing over-the-counter medicine couldn't handle. I was surprised how safe I felt in London. Even when I was walking home from the Underground at night, there were always people around so I never felt like I was completely alone. I also had access to my resident director and her assistant, so I knew I could call them if I needed help. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is perfect for someone who wants to be completely immersed in the culture of London. I took classes with local students and lived with students from 5 different countries (who were all full-time students in London). I didn't feel like I was just visiting; I felt like I actually lived there. My best advice is to take advantage of every opportunity you have while abroad. Rather than sitting in your flat, go out and explore a new part of London. There is so much to do there, you'll never get bored. |
