London-An Amazing City Past Review
By Jessica S (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Drake University) for
Central College Abroad: Study Abroad in London
As soon as I graduate, I hope to go back to Europe to work.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | South Bank University |
| 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. |
Classes weren't challenging at all, especially at South Bank University. They were basically teaching us things we learned in 8th grade. And at South Bank there were only 2 assignments, 2 2-page papers. They were unorganized, rude, and unhelpful. They had no idea what was going on and it was the most stressful part of the semester. Get rid of them! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great admin. Loved the staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Vandon was pretty run-down, but the location was AMAZING |
| * Food: |
Same breakfast food every day for 3 months. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Loved the excursions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The London riots had just ended when we got there so that was kind of scary |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The Underground monthly pass is around 70 pounds, which with the exchange rate is about $120. |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Learn how to pack lightly. Know that with the exchange rate and the fact that you're living in the middle of a huge city, EVERYTHING is expensive, so watch your budget. Travel with Ryan Air, it saves a ton of money. Don't bring your hair dryer or straightener, the plug-ins will zap them. Bring tennis shoes. They're ugly and people can tell you're a tourist when you wear them, but they're so worth it. Take more pictures, especially just of places and people around London. Try and meet locals, they're so much fun. And finally, turn in your Visa application MONTHS in advance. Don't wait until the last minute, because it may be denied. |
