Loved the experience...despite some details about the program! Past Review
By Christine C (Sociology., Clark University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England
Even though I disliked some aspects of the program and the housing, I had an amazing time in London! Not only was I able to travel and work in a different country, but I learned how to survive on my own in a new place. The study abroad staff was always very helpful, even when I was nervous and worrying before I left. I loved my internship and I can't wait to go back to England!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Our classes at Birkbeck were, overall, kind of a joke. I was surprised that Clark would accept credit for these classes. Some of my professors didn't seem to know what they were talking about. I had no reading and almost no outside work. I enjoyed my Art and Architecture course, but it was the only course where I learned anything. The professors do not encourage class discussion like American professors do. Also, as a student studying at Birkbeck, University of London, I did not feel like a member of the University of London at all. I wish we had been more included in the university and that we were taking classes with non-American University students - I feel like we had a very inauthentic experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought that Elizabeth Watkins was effective at her job, and she was able to switch my internship when I asked her to, which I really appreciated. However, I do not feel that she was a mentor - we were essentially left on my own. For example, if I had a problem adjusting to British culture, finding my way around the city, or needing an answer about travel, I would not feel comfortable asking her. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The best thing about the housing was the location. We were right in central London, next to the British museum and a block away from the University! It was easy to get anywhere because of our convenient location. However, some of the flats were huge, and some were tiny. I was unlucky enough to be in one of the tiny ones. My flatmates and I were piled on top of each other, when other people had tons of room. I was very upset with this. Items that you should buy include toiletries and any extra cookware you might need. |
| * Food: |
Our housing was near many restaurants and grocery stores, which was great. I recommend Crussh, which is a smoothie chain near the University. I got the Brazilian smoothie about 3 times a week and I miss it! Getting used to British food is difficult though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our group trip to Cambridge seemed poorly planned, but it was fun. The meetings we had with Elizabeth were kind of useless - we just sat in a circle talking about our internships to the other interns. One of my biggest recommendations for the program would be an orientation the first week we arrived. We were really left on our own to figure out how to buy cell phones, open bank account, find grocery stores, etc. It was extremely overwhelming and I wish we had a real orientation so we would feel more comfortable adjusting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No health problems. |
| 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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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? | I would tell students considering this program to be prepared to be thrown in the city on their own, and to have little supervision and guidance. I also suggest bringing lots of cash to live off for the first few weeks before the bank accounts open! Students who want to do this program should be independent and able to manage their time well. They should also be willing to choose the valuable internship experience over more traditional study abroad programs, where people tend to travel and party more. |
