Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Program I Could Ask For Past Review

By (Film/Cinema/Video Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved living in a new culture, but still have connections to an American school. I really had the best of both worlds and therefore in many ways "culture shock" was not a particular worry for me. London is an incredible city—I feel very lucky to have lived in a safe, beautiful borough with many accessible attractions. While it is very different from living in the US, it felt like [a new] home very quickly.

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.

Academic rigor seems to depend on your major. Overall, however, the teachers are engaging and ideas are presented well. Amount of work is pretty small, so while the long class times allow for lots of learning experience, you have plenty of free time to explore the city and to travel outside the country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

You buy and cook your own food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's very easy to see the sites and visit local hangouts to meet new people

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but a doctor on call is always available and BU provides you with all info needed to get help

* Safety:

I always felt safe, and the area where the BU school and dorms are is comfortable, regardless of time of day

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)

I tried to keep my spending equivalent to £140/week (£20 per day). I spent a little more when I traveled or went on special excursions so be sure to account for that, but otherwise it worked out pretty well for the most part

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £35 on groceries
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Order a student oyster card asap for the tube (or whatever metro service is in your city)—you'll get big discounts on travel. Also, budget out how much you want to spend on tickets, travel, food and drink, etc. each week. Keeping track for smaller amounts of time is more manageable. Be sure to check whether there is a fee for your credit/debit card transactions so you can account for those in your spending/find a better alternative. Cards with chips (instead of swipes) are more convenient in Europe—you can order prepaid cards if you don't already have one of these.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Dorms
  • School set up
  • Social program options
* What could be improved?
  • Some (not all) student affairs faculty's communication skills with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You really don't need as much stuff as you think—save some room for souvenirs coming home!

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!