London: A life changing experience Past Review
By Stephanie N (Accounting, Bryant University) for
Arcadia: London - University of Westminster
It was absolutely worth while. I now am extremely interest in international business and would love to work in another country. This experience made me fearless of trying new things.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load we very different. There was a lot more independent study and the teachers did not tell you exactly want they wanted you to know. Also the grading system was extremely different. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program I went through was very unorganized and I felt as though I could have just went with the information provided by the University of Westminster. The actual University kept all of the exchange students updates and Arcadia mostly just forwarded us the information from them that we had already received. Arcadia did plan some trips, however it was unorganized and I felt as though if we were paying so much already something should have been included which they were not they were all addition costs. I did however extremely enjoy the Wales trip. I would not have been able to do that myself. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was a fortunate student that got to live with only International and local students. Two of my roommates were from Japan, one from Wales, and two from the London. I was the only Bryant student that was not housed with Americans. I loved this experience! |
| * Food: |
I quickly found the cheaper grocery stores and bought cookware because it was not provided. I enjoyed cooking my own meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While in London I took full advantage of everything I could. I attended several West end shows and smaller production. I went to film festivals, restaurant week, and winter festivals. Also, I saw all the major land marks, went to as many museums and art displays as I could, and went to local festival such as Guy Fox Night. Looking on a website called time out London really kept me up to date with new festivals and things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I lived in East London which is not the best part of town. There were several break ins and things stolen from the apartment halls we lived in. There was however a security guard on duty at most times. I did get pick pocketed coming off the tube, but that could have happened to anyone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think studying abroad is a life changing experience that everyone needs to have. If money is an issue take out a loan. It is well worth it! It makes you a more independent, confident, well rounded person. |
