London: Struggle but an overall amazing experience Past Review
By Lauren D (Communications, University of Maine at Orono) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - Semester at the University of Westminster
I learned so much about the world and cultural differences. I am so much more accepting of other people now and understanding of others. I absolutely loved travelling Europe and getting to see all of the famous sights I have only ever seen in text books. It made me a more independent, mature person who is ready to graduate next year and live anywhere, because now I know I can.
Personal Information
| 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. |
There was barely ever any homework, mainly two large papers and or a presentation per semester per course. The grading system was confusing because it is out of 70 points and they tended to grade harshly for American students. Teachers made it difficult to feel welcome/succeed in classes because they stereotyped us as the "American students" and offered little guidance for assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The school didn't have one certain person that we could go to. We had no idea who to go to when I hurt my foot and had to go to the hospital. I expected more of a support system like you would get in the US. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were no sheets, cooking utensils or anything provided which made it difficult to settle in. The dorms were acceptable we shared a kitchen and each had our own bathroom. |
| * Food: |
We cooked for ourselves. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program arranged nothing for us to do that I was aware of. I planned trips to other countries on weekends with the friends I met from America. We got to go to the Royal Wedding which was a great experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I sprained a tendon in my foot while in the city and had to take a cab back to school, I was crying my parents on skype and they tried numerous times to contact CIS for help with no response until the next day. Luckily I had a British friend with a car that was able to drive me to the hospital. They would not give me a wheelchair even though I clearly could not walk and they kept referring to the wrong foot when examining me. They ended up giving me crutches and pain killers, but obviously I had to go to the doctor in the US when I returned because luckily I was leaving 6 days. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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 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? | Someone who is very independent and can make friends easily. Someone who doesn't want everything planned out for them and wants to have the experience their way. |
