Mind the Gap between reality and study abroad :) Past Review
By Kate M (Tourism and Travel Services Management., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 09/14/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
Brigham Young University: London - London Study Abroad
I learned so much about myself on study abroad and how I interact with others. I found independence and the courage to be my own person and explore
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. |
Our program was not academically rigorous (compared to other programs) as far as bookwork, but I felt like I learned so much from our trips. Learning on-the-go as we toured sites was more effective for me since I was able to make a physical and emotional connection. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The professors and caretakers of the London Centre were mostly in charge and we didn't have many problems while there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in the London Centre! The only downside was no privacy. You ate, slept, showered, studied, and lived with everyone in very close proximity. On the upside, I learned a lot about myself as a roommate and about getting along with others. Going back to one roommate will be so easy in comparison. |
| * Food: |
Thais was amazing at providing dinners. Earlier programs had mentioned that the food wasn't as good as they hoped and I mean there were some meals that were not my favorites, but overall it was pretty good. Splitting up the work in dinner crews was a great idea and I didn't mind giving up a little time for 10 days to help with the meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because our group was so large and we were living together, it felt like we didn't get out much and meet people outside the Centre. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt comfortable walking around a lot of London by myself. I wouldn't suggest walking the East side or going out at night without a group in some areas. In the more touristy places like Trafalgar Square or Leicester Square I think it's alright to go in pairs or even alone. Just be wise! |
| 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) |
London is expensive. Everything looks fine until you convert it to dollars and realize that your weekly Tube pass cost almost $50. I know that I could have spent a lot less money if I hadn't bought so many Christmas presents for family members and sweet treats (how can you resist?). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | at least $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't feel pressured to buy something just because everyone else in the group is! Sometimes there's a better option for lunch or a treat further down the street and you just need to look for it. I would spend money on the experiences (like going to shows or on the London Eye) rather than buying Starbucks all the time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Study abroad is not a hiatus from real life or an escape from the daily problems of schoolwork, relationship issues, sickness etc. It's the opportunity of a lifetime and it's different from any other time in your life since you're almost in limbo between two worlds, but the dumb awkward things that make life a reality are still there. For some reason I thought I was going to a perfect world for three months in oh-so-romantic Europe and didn't expect real life to follow me across the pond. It definitely does, but it's in a good way for the most part. |
