Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AHMAZING Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/24/2019 to 12/07/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was so worth it! I’ve heard people say they regretted not studying abroad and I didn’t want to be that person. I pushed my own limits going 4 months far from home and the people and things I know and love only to discover a second home. I gained more knowledge of things, surrounded myself with a different dynamic of people with similar passions, and became more independent and self-motivated. This was a great experience I highly recommend to anyone trying to better themselves or broaden their horizons.

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.

My educational experience abroad was a lot different than I am used to and it was challenging to break away from my mold. It was a good learning experience and I felt I pushed myself harder to keep up.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The admin abroad were very informative and resourceful. Also easy to talk to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was okay. Perfect central location in the city but I felt that the room selections were unfair. Me and my roommate got the smallest room in the flat, and even when our other roommates had not arrived yet we were not allowed to switch. We all payed the same amount so I’m unsure how we were the only ones with a significantly smaller room.

* Food:

Great food. Nice variety. Many options for all food eaters including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. And a lot of varieties of food and culture. Groceries were a bit cheaper than I’m used to at home but their expiration dates go fast!!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that the longer I stayed in the country, the more I felt apart of the local culture and adapted well to the environment.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health related issues abroad. But I know there was medical help available.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in my host city overall. But there was a lot of theft, and I was a victim of it my first night there. (My phone got stolen). Many of my friends I met and roommates had some of their things stolen as well.

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

API was very helpful in getting me settled in to my host country and giving me tips and knowledge that I would have had to dig up myself to find otherwise. They also included excursions to go on and led me to make more friends and meet more amazing people.

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)

1. It was a pretty expensive city to live in. And all the more difficult when I wanted to be involved in everything and see/do as much as I could!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably $200-$300 on average.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Download money managing apps like Mint. It helps categorize your spending, show your spending habits/patterns, and helps you see how to prioritize spending. Another thing you could do is set a budget for yourself weekly or monthly.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Resourceful, helpful
  • Excursions
  • Stress-relieving
* What could be improved?
  • A longer stay after the program ends to give time to adapt to leaving.
  • Assist/give tips on the process of leaving the country
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the school I went to did not have adobe suite apps available to the students. And that we would not be more integrated with the local students.

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.