Wild and Unexpected Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/17/2020 to 03/30/2020 with

CIEE: London - Open Campus Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to handle myself in a foreign country and how to think more independently.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

CIEE London did not take into account our safety and health during the COVID-19 outbreak, and they encouraged us to stay in London even though most students were being evacuated by their home institutions. There were no safety measures put into place for us and no evacuation measures were taken to protect us as students.

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

I would not choose this program again due to the housing that we were put in, and due to the lack of safety measures put in for students.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100-$200 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If students are going to London, definitely set aside more money due to the exchange rate being higher.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Classes
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Theatre District in London
* What could be improved?
  • Safety
  • Housing
  • On Site Staff Help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I was more aware of the housing options and the safety measures put in place for students before going abroad.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.