Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience that changed my life. Past Review

By (Art & Design, Frostburg State University) - abroad from 09/14/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My decision to study abroad was more than an opportunity to travel to foreign countries, it was a chance to get to know who I was as an indvidual. I was able to be myself and truly appreciate where I was because not everyone will be able to take part in this expeirence. I would say going to London was one of the best choices I made in my life and was definetley worthwhile.

Review Photos

API (Academic Programs International): London - University of Westminster Photo

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.

Studying abroad in London was my first experience with being overseas. I was aware that I would encounter a change in culture along with educational differences. However, becomed accostmed to the education system in Europe was challenging. In America, students generally rely on weekly homework assignments to help retain the information given during a lecture. This wasn't the case in my courses in London and I found it to be diffcult to focus and retain information. I believe that each student, traveling abroad, should be given an overview of the coutries teaching styles. In doing so, students will be more comfortable in their classrooms and confident about the knowledge that they could take away once the semester is complete.

* 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)

In the beginning of the program, I set up a budget. Within that budget I set aside an amount for transporation, food, and entertainment. The daily market exchange rate was a major factor on how I spent my money. Personally I found cooking for myself instead of eating out to be healthier and financally responsible. During the week, I chose to walk to class instead of taking the tube or the bus; I saved up to $20 a week with this decision.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100.00 or less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In the first few days of being overseas, set up a budget! Once that budget has been established you will be able to see how much you have avaliable for leisure (entertainment, shopping). When traveling to local countries, compare prices for the flight/train + hotel/hostel; I found EasyJet to be accomadting and inexpensive. Also, take advantage of the trips your program offers and the student discounts to museums.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Housing Location
  • Excursions
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • NA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dealing with the European education system.

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.