Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A surreal look into a world I didn't know existed. Past Review

By (HSSP, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to intern in a British hospital which is very rare for American students so I got to see something barely anyone gets the chance to see. I learned about British attitudes on medicine while experiencing it myself. It was definitely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were very involved and professors were extremely knowledgeable. Field trips were a great opportunity to experience London while learning the material. I wish we went on more field trips outside of London.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was gorgeous. Everything was very well-maintained and housing staff was always so kind. Kitchen was always clean.

* Food:

Food in London is delicious but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Taking the tube everyday helped me feel like a regular Londoner.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

London is an expensive, posh city already and the dollar is not very strong. It was really difficult to live there on a student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you can try and cook your own food. Eating out adds up and if you want to go shopping, only buy things you really can't get back in the US. But I do think its worth the money to travel because that's what you're there for.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Location (Love South Kensington)
  • People
  • Love the tube!
* What could be improved?
  • More time to travel on weekends
  • More class variety
  • More field trips to British countryside
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive London is and how terrible the exchange rate is

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!