Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life in London Past Review

By (Economics, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/02/2015 to 05/23/2015 with

Arcadia: London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence. I put myself in some very testy situations but it taught me to keep calm. It was like the final transition into adulthood.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not overly challenging, but not boring either. There was plenty of free time. Also, good resources both from Arcadia and Westminster.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Room was tiny but thats what you get in Central London. Clean and efficient with its own bathroom.

* Food:

Cook your own.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not too much culture shock since they speak English and are very similar. London is much more fast-paced than most US cities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Both Arcadia and Westminster had health programs. I felt very safe but didn't need any assistance.

* Safety:

Just use common sense. Be wary that cars come from the opposite ways.

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)

Since dorms were already paid for, my only expenses were food, travel, and entertainment. I figured out how to get by comfortably on about $80. Invest your money in travelling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80 American
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? London is very expensive but supermarkets are cheaper than in the US. Dont eat out much and learn to cook your own food, its healthier and cheaper. You can also drink in parks so buy some booze at a Tesco and chill out instead of dropping 30 on cover and another 20 on two cocktails in Mayfair. Parks and museums are free as well and student discounts are widely available.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I speak English natively
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I also taught myself French and some Polish while there. You'll overhear conversations in tons of dialects, listen. Watch movies, read, think in that language. Speak out loud when your by yourself.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Flexibility
  • Variety of classes
* What could be improved?
  • More shuttles from the airport
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I blew threw a ton of money the first month I was there. Wish I had learned to be more frugal ahead of time.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.