Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was everything I hoped it would be :) December 28, 2021

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/18/2021 to 12/18/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe I gained a lot of independence and a much deeper appreciation for the world outside of the US. It was so worthwhile and was truly a big dream of mine fulfilled.

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.

University in the UK is definitely a different experience compared to the US. You are required to be on top of your work and much more of an emphasis is placed on working in groups.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Urbanest Kings Cross which was a good experience, but the maintenance team was notorious among our group for taking a long time to respond to any issues.

* Food:

You have to cook your own food and go out to eat. Assuming you can handle yourself in the kitchen, this is no problem at all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had friends in the UK prior to studying in London, so that was helpful in feeling at home :). Even if you don't, put yourself out of your comfort zone and go meet people. Some made the mistake of only hanging out with the Americans that they came with, and they admitted they didn't make the most of the experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I wish API had included our travel Covid tests as part of the sizable program cost.

* Safety:

London is a great city. Be smart, stick with friends, you'll be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Don't get me wrong, I loved my time and the API advisors were really kind and generally responsive, but I didn't feel that API was an exceptional provider. The cost was expensive and included a lot of activities that I wasn't able to attend because of my busy schedule. It would have been a nice touch if there was a way to send treats/meals to those of us who typically couldn't make the events.

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)

London is an expensive city. You need to either be prepared and plan a well thought out budget, or be ready to watch money flow freely from your bank account.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would estimate $100-$150. When you start to go out for drinks or just to restaurants for dinner, it adds up quick.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking in your flat is VERY important to staying on a budget. Unless your parents are funding your three month vacation, I would highly recommend learning to cook some things.

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
  • 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?
  • Living the London life
  • Being able to travel on the weekends
  • Meeting all of the people I did
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation for helping students budget
  • A realistic weekly cost prediction and breakdown
  • Did I mention I'm broke now? (No regrets though)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to budget better, that UK exam periods extend into January so I'd be doing homework on Christmas, and that I'd have such a hard time saying goodbye :).

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.'