Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not Great, but Not Bad Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 08/12/2019 to 09/21/2019 with

CIEE: London - Open Campus Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned patience and self-confidence, I think it was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes challenged you, but were well within your capabilities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not supportive for issues presented regarding personal well-being. Far-removed from the students, but not terrible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was an apartment shared between 5 people, and honestly wasn't bad. In a slightly sketchy alley, but well-patrolled, and not an issue.

* Food:

They didn't feed us, it was up to us to make sure we ate and it went just fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's London, so everyone speaks English. It wasn't hard to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues myself, I'm sure it was fine.

* Safety:

There were several stabbings in and around the time I was there, and my phone was almost stolen twice.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would probably choose another location for the cultural experience.

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 one of the most expensive places out there, and the conversion rate will make you blow through money fairly quickly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125ish
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up a lot. Especially if you plan to be in London for a long time, because there will be lots of things you'll want to do, but won't be able to afford otherwise.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The courses and the excursions offered.
* What could be improved?
  • Student/Administration communication.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how much money you spend; it's really easy to blow through a budget.

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!