London: The City of New Experiences and Friendly Residents Past Review
By Laura E (Graphic Design., Drake University) for
Arcadia: London - University of Westminster
Met amazing people. This experience has changed my life completely. I'm a completely different person in a great way and it made me grow up as a person and become more independent.
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 was very minimal which was very nice because I traveled a lot and met loads of new and amazing people. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international student help center was terrible. Had no clue what I was doing and they were not helpful at all. I know of MANY other students who would say the exact same thing. Very unhelpful when finding classes and I had to go into central London TONS of times to change classes.. This should have been taken care of BEFORE we went abroad. That was a huge hassle and stressful experience that should have never happened. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my flat mates. If it wasn't for them my experience would not have been as great as it was. Was so glad they were all from England and kind of became a family to me. We still stick in touch all the time and they have become another family to me that I plan on staying friends with for the rest of my life. |
| * Food: |
Try fish and chips! I hated fish until I went to England! And be up for trying new foods! I used to be such a picky eater.. Now I'll try anything! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Just take a day and buy an all day tube pass and just wander around London. The people of London are so friendly and will help you out if you get lost. London is an amazing city: beautiful, friendly and historical. Every where you look is something new and different to experience. Also make sure you take a few times to experience night life in central London. So much fun and such a different experience than what night life is like in America. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Felt very safe everywhere. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy in bulk! |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Don't be afraid to try new foods and also to just go up to someone new and introduce yourself. The people of England love Americans and will talk to you about everything and anything. They love American culture! Also travel as much as you can around Europe! It's so cheap! Take the bus especially to Wales, Scotland and fly to Ireland.. it's just so cheap! |
