Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When can I go back? Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2016 to 04/23/2016 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was pushed out of my comfort zone, discovering a brand new place without knowing anyone on the program, and learned a lot from making new friends while we explored London together. Through the internship, I got to work in a professional fringe theatre environment at The Vaults, working on a major festival as well as an original immersive theatre production. I got to be a part of all different areas of production and management, learned a great deal, and got to know many professionals and volunteers in the theatre community.

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.

The courses were interesting and taken seriously, but not overly rigorous - I had plenty of time to explore London and the rest of Europe without sacrificing getting the work done and learning a lot in each class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My roommate and I had a large double room in the Crofton with our own bathroom, and each of us had a wardrobe and a few shelves for our clothes. Both our room and the kitchen on our floor were very nice.

* Food:

The program doesn't provide any food or meal plan, but the kitchens are available for any cooking you might want to do, and there is relatively cheap prepared food available nearby as well. The only time we struggled was the day we arrived, since we hadn't had time to go shopping yet and weren't sure where to find food, but ultimately we did.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Especially during the internship phase, I was constantly working and spending time with young British people, and getting to know them was an amazing experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad, but we were given information on nearby facilities, so I felt prepared in case I did need care.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in London at all times - especially South Kensington, where the program housing is located, is a gorgeous area and incredibly safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I made many friends, both BU students and Londoners, who I'm continuing to keep in touch with, and got valuable, hands on experience in theatre through my internship. I had a wonderful time getting to know the city and traveling throughout Europe, and am eager to go back - I would love to experience the program over again if I could.

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)

Budgeting for groceries, travel, and activities around London (such as theatre tickets) is a challenge, but it was certainly doable and good practice for the future.

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?
  • Internship Experience
  • Social Programme discounts on trips, London life
  • Opportunity to meet new people
* What could be improved?
  • Library hours can feel short, could be extended
  • More time with internship placement
  • Clearer SIM card top up instructions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone travels different amounts while abroad - it's amazing to explore Europe while you're nearby and it's so easy, but it's also incredible to really get to know the city you're living in and spend time doing things in your own temporary backyard!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.