Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great City, Bad Program / UIC - Faculty Led, Great Cities London Past Review

By (Urban and Public Affairs, University of Illinois - Chicago) - abroad from 05/05/2011 to 06/10/2011 with

Study Abroad Programs in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I love the culture of London and getting to know a new city.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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 had a very expensive currency exchange rate.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your food at local grocery stores instead of eating out.

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
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Being in London
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't learn anything in the program.
  • Housing was not very sanitary; I got the stomach flu.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Stay with locals and get to know the locals. I was exposed to only Americans.