London: An Experience I Didn't want to End Past Review
By Kathleen R (Marketing., Providence College) for
Boston University: London - London Internship Program
I gained a much greater interest for worldwide cultural events and I learned that there is much more to the world than just the United States. I realized that I definitely would consider moving to Europe in my future. I learned a lot of things about the American culture, most primarily that many Americans are ignorant about the rest of the world (including myself, before I studied abroad). I really enjoyed the program I chose because the experience at my internship, while demanding, shaped my future career goals.
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 workload was less strenuous than at PC and the professor I had for two of my classes was very nice and helpful, but I did not learn a lot from the class. Grading was fair and easier than at PC. The additional coursework that was required to supplement my internship was difficult to complete when I was working 36 hours a week and the internship tutorials I was required to attend were not helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Weaknesses: -There were not enough places to study; the library was a big weakness because of its hours and it was so small -Unorganized and didn't inform students of program rules and regulations prior to arriving in the country Strengths: -Organization of discounted social programming -Location of housing |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in dorm-style living with other Americans. The area which I stayed in, South Kensington, was an ideal location. It was beautiful and very safe and close proximity to the middle of the city and nightlife |
| * Food: |
My program did not provide any meals for me. There was a kitchen in my dorm that I could buy my own food and cook in and there were many local restaurants to eat at. Cafe Forum, Churchill Arms, and Camden market were my favorite places to eat at. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
England-Holland football match Stonehenge and Winchester day trip Kensington Palace Tour |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any safety or health issues during my time in London. However, I think I was very well prepared to use more precaution throughout my time abroad. I rarely went anywhere alone and I was always very aware of my personal belongings. I knew the local areas to avoid and used my common sense to keep myself safe at all times. |
| 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? | Local travel in London is very expensive. A monthly tube pass with a discounted student oyster card is 80 pounds or about $100. Also, living in a city no matter what is expensive so be prepared to pay much more than you are used to for things. |
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 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? | An outgoing, independent student would benefit the most from this program. |
