Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London is a magical but expensive city! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/11/2015 to 04/25/2015 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live on my own in a foreign city, and that I would love to move to London in the future! I also learned a lot about the field of film production through my internship. Finally, I learned how to plan my own trips and travel on a budget, and I got to experience the world on my own for the first time.

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.

The location and social programs were amazing, and though I very much enjoyed my classes, they were not as challenging as those of my home university. I did, however, absolutely love my internship placement.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The office opening hours were very inconvenient when we were in the internship phase, as they were basically only open during business hours when we were working. But when you did go in to get help or address any issue they were helpful/

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location in South Kensington was wonderful and the buildings were well kept. It was a little bit tough with three of us in a small room with a tiny bathroom, but overall it was very nice.

* Food:

The kitchens were nice and well equipped, though it got tricky sharing with an entire floor of people.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think that the orientation activities were not helpful at all. They were mostly lectures that did not allow us to get to know anyone else in the program. To get to know local people you really had to put the effort in yourself, as you live and take classes with other US students. The primary place to get to know locals is working at your internship, where you do get to understand the culture and people very well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

South Kensington is an extremely safe area in London, and I never felt threatened walking around alone at night.

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 a very expensive city, and you are responsible for buying your own food, so while you can live on a decent budget, you need to be aware of how much you are spending at all times.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £80-90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a budget! Without one you will without fail spend more than you intended.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living in London
  • Interning at a local production company
  • Meeting local people
* What could be improved?
  • Integration in to local culture
  • Administration availability
  • Class rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of everything London has to offer every chance you get because 4 months flies by

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!