London Summer Study Abroad Rewarding In Many Ways Past Review
By Madeline R (Communication and Media Studies., Trinity University) for
Arcadia: London - Arcadia in London
I felt like I gained so much independence. I learned more about Europe by going on my own rather than going with a best friend or family. I think my greatest accomplishment was teaching myself to navigate the underground in a short amount of time, as well as traveling to France on my own. That was difficult in more than one sense--finding the bus stop to the airport, understanding the system of Europe to Europe flights, and navigating my way to the hotel in France by taking the underground while NOT knowing ANY French. I had a great time overall and would love to go back for any opportunity.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
very well organized, inventive, technologically-savvy, accessible, even though the program was rather large |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
great neighborhood and nightlife, had to buy a lot though--sheets, blanket, towels, cleaning supplies, toiletries--but cookware was available for use which was really helpful. I had a great room with was huge and only shared a bathroom with a few others. safe neighborhood. only annoyance was proximity to class (over an hr on the underground) |
| * Food: |
not much to say, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. eating out is EX PEN SIVE! save a lot of money cooking food for yourself. i guess just be selective in the restaurants you choose to eat at. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
So much to do, so much fun. Would definitely like to go again. Took a weekend trip to France, went to WImbledon, saw many plays, went to a huge concert in Hyde Park, went out to many nightclubs and pubs, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe. One time, however, we got locked out of our dorm, and it was really frightening because no one answered the door for at least an hour. Luckily it was during the day. Also, one night my roommates and I were woken up very early in the morning by a stranger banging on the windows..we called the cops. They came immediately and recorded our concerns. II did not need to utilize the local healthcare system at any point. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It was VERY expensive. I spent frivolously the first month or so, until I realized how wasteful I was being. I can easily say I was spending around $1000 on everything every two weeks. However, there are also ways to cut back obviously. By the end I was saving so much money by making my own meals and skipping out on shopping/clubbing outings. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Club entrance fees can be upwards of $30, JUST TO GET IN! Also transportation, even in the underground, is something like $150 a month. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | people who want to come out of their shell more and be very active in the city while still learning a lot in your classes |
