A culturally enlightening and diverse community Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education itself was primarily provided by professors from local universities. Every class was required to have a number of cultural activities that would encourage students to go and explore surrounding areas pertaining to the subject matter itself. Professors would also frequently take their students out on walks around the city, which was both practically and educationally helpful. Classes only met once a week, which gave students further opportunity to take advantage of their time in the city. My only complaint would be that I was not nearly as challenged in these courses than I usually am in my home institution. However, all of the professors that I had were immensely supportive and open to discussion on their subject matter.

On-site administration of your program

My personal experience with the administration was overwhelmingly positive. As the institution itself is rather small, there aren't that many people on staff. However, I found that this created an intimate and comforting environment. Had I needed to, I would not have had a problem asking any of the staff for help.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program gives students the option of either living in a flat with a number of roommates or staying with a host family. I chose the former option. All of the flats used in the program are stocked with dishware and cookery (though only as far as the usual pots, pans, and spatulas). I also had the luxury of having our linen washed and our flat cleaned once a week by the flat's maid service. The living space can be somewhat cramped with the number of people, but the environment for my flat in particular was quite cozy. The location was in a busy area, but very safe. The staff of the flat itself was also very approachable when dealing with maintenance issues.

As in any city in any country, the food is very expensive. Coupled with an unbalanced conversion rate, I did at times find keeping a good budget on food to be very difficult. Students who are living in a flat should understand that they'll likely be doing a lot of cooking on their own in order to cut the costs of meals. Save eating out for special occasions or when parents are visiting as the cost of restaurants can rack up quickly. As for the quality of food itself, it varies, but it's overall very good. Just make sure that you buy your ingredients and produce from the cheaper market chains like Morrison's or Sainsbury's. Your wallet will thank you!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, so it's incredibly easy to fit into the swing of things. I had the privilege of living in a more Middle Eastern pocket of the community, and there wasn't a day that went by where I didn't hear a variety of languages being spoken in conversation. Living in such a city was likely the most culturally enlightening experience that I will ever have.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any need for healthcare at the time of my program so I had no experience with it. I also did not need any vaccines specifically for the program.

London for the most part is extremely safe. As many of the more populated areas are constantly recorded by CCTV, I was quick to find that traveling alone was not a problem. My only advice for future students is that they practice common city-living sense while they're out and about on the streets. Avoid traveling alone at night, and be aware that jaywalking in particular can be very dangerous.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not very easily at all. If I were to 'retake' my program, I would have kept a tighter hold on where my funds were going exactly.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Classes taking on a hands-on approach
• Being encouraged by the program to explore through free events
• Having the opportunity to have as much exploration as possible through only having class once a week

• More of a focus on connecting with local students
• More academic challenge