Fantastic internship component, best city in the world Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Professional skills, how to navigate in a new city, how to cook!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were easy but interesting. I never felt challenged, but I enjoyed lectures with the professors. The format is somewhat difficult, because classes are in four-hour blocks, and it can be hard to concentrate.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff and administrators were helpful and welcoming, I never had any problems on that front.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm (I lived at Courtfield Gardens) was nice enough, I lived in a comfortable triple and the kitchen facilities were more than functional. No complaints.

* Food:

Great location in terms of grocery store (at least from my dorm), quality kitchen, etc.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I never felt like the program helped me integrate that much, largely because the classes were all American students. The internship component certainly helped. But I felt like any connection I made with English culture was of my own volition.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All of my health needs were met more than proficiently.

* Safety:

London's a big city, meaning that there's always going to be things happening, people trying to pick-pocket you, etc. But if you're even minorly smart about it, you will be totally fine.

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 city, but if you manage it well you won't go broke.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~35 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/a

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship component
  • Great location
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/a

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!