Semester Abroad in London Past Review
By Laura S (Public Health, California State University - Fresno) for
Study Abroad Programs in London
This experience was more than worthwhile - it was probably the greatest experience and opportunity I have ever taken. There was so much I learned, not just from the classes I was taking and seeing historical sites, but also just witnessing the culture and environment first-hand. There were trivial moments I learned from, from financial to social to academic. I lived in London for four months, and I still didn't get to experience everything I wanted to. There is so much in this city to soak up and take in. While I loved shopping in their tourist district or seeing a play on West End, I also loved taking the London Underground to a random area and just walking around, being a part of the culture and anonymity.
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Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses we had in London correlated well with our cultural experiences. We discussed literature that took place in the city and were able to see those settings, we saw a variety of plays in the London's theaters, and saw historical sites such as Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While our instructors were from our home university, the administration for the host country program were welcoming and helped us adapt to the city. They helped us by telling us how to be safe while walking around central London. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of our flat was a 20 minute walk to class and was centrally located, which gave us great access to all the different areas of London. The flat had all the essentials for us (towels, bedding, cooking utensils, etc.). |
| * Food: |
Mostly we did cooking in the flat, which helped us save money. While it took us awhile to find decent, inexpensive places to eat at, they were very enjoyable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Outside of school, it felt like we were on a extended vacation. When we weren't reading or doing homework, we would explore the city, see plays, go to museums, or take weekend trips to other neighboring countries (ie: Scotland or France). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe because I was with a group of other Americans from my home University, and we all stuck together, in a sense. Regarding health issues, I didn't experience anything more than a mild cold that didn't require medical attention. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | After my semester abroad, budget cuts have made it difficult for other students at my college to be able to experience what I've experienced. But that does not make any less of a valuable opportunity. Talk to your administration, professors and advisers - let them know and rally them to support a program like I've had. It's worth it! |
