YouOnlyLONDONOnce Past Review

By (Tourism and Travel Services Management., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/16/2013 with

Brigham Young University: London - London Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself through my reactions to London and my experiences there. I learned that there is so much more to see and do and learn all over the world; don't ever stop and follow your interests.

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 classes and coursework were appropriately difficult. Sometimes it was hard to balance homework and going out into the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The location was amazing and the building was great. There were some issues, like internet problems, that made it difficult to get work done and to enjoy being there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great time with the girls in my room though we often felt left out from the other dorms that were all clustered together on the other side of the building.

* Food:

The food was overall pretty good though I wish we could have had more fruits and vegetables and less carbs and cream. I enjoyed helping out in the kitchen and wish we could have had more input as to what we ate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because we were in the building half the time and since we were all Americans, I sometimes forgot that we were in London. I had to remind myself of this fact repeatedly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues but one of my roommates did. She had top-notch care and an excellent experience (despite being ill).

* Safety:

London felt very safe and I was comfortable wandering around by myself, even at night. I had no safety issues or concerns.

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 an expensive city and since I tried to do as much as possible, I ended up spending much more money than I typically do in a semester. However, I don't regret any of it. It was worth the experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat out at lunch time; go to the markets, meal deals at grocery stores are great or buy groceries for the week and don't eat out. Group rates for activities are often less (so go with people!).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Location
  • Classes
  • Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Update the housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't stress. You will have so much fun, just go and enjoy it!

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!