The Semester That Changed My Life Past Review
By Niki K (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Delaware) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 12/10/2013 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - Semester at the University of Westminster
I learned the cliche of really finding myself while being abroad. I came back a completely different person and am much more calm and have a clearer picture of where and what I want my life to look like after graduation. Going abroad is a great way to clear your head because everything is new and exciting and you get to experience some of the greatest things with some of the greatest people in some of the greatest places in the world and it's definitely something you should not pass up!
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. |
The academics in London are no way as challenging as in the States but the reason I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 is because of the range of classes I was allowed to take while going through CIS. I felt like a full blown University of Westminster student for 3 months which was exactly what I wanted...I didn't want to be restricted to being able to take only a certain classes and CIS allowed students to take whatever they wanted! I didn't find that with any other program, including the ones from The University of Delaware! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were 3 different options for housing through CIS but I think I lucked out with my location. I originally wanted to live in Harrow but after realizing it was a 40 minute tube ride from Central London I realized living by the Old Street Tube Station on Pitfield Street was the best spot! Centrally located, in one of the best areas in all of London (totally unbiased opinion), where I lived was definitely one of my favorite parts of being abroad because I was so close to everything! The flat was alright, we all had our own rooms but I would have liked to live with locals not all Americans. |
| * Food: |
British food lives up to everyone's expectations: bland, lots of potatoes and meats and just not super exciting. But my flat had a huge kitchen (as did most) so I did most of my own cooking. Don't expect too much with the British food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues so I can't fully answer this question... |
| * Safety: |
I personally never had any problems with feeling unsafe but friends did. Some of my friends had phones (iPhones specifically) stolen but think of any major city: Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago...every large major city has its safety issues so it's to be expected. Just don't be stupid. Don't walk alone at night, no headphones, keep an eye out if anything looks suspicious and don't bring a scene to yourself. It's just that simple. But I did feel very safe in London. |
| 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) |
This really depends on the person. I wanted to save my money so I could travel around Europe and the UK so I tried not to spend money. I knew my budget for the tube (about $50 a week because I had to travel to zone 4 twice a week for classes) but I saved a lot on food because I cooked for myself most of the time. I also didn't really go shopping that much and if I did it was just as Primark, and if I wanted to see a museum or go somewhere that cost money I made sure it wasn't a crazy amount. Food is honestly the biggest problem my friends told me they had because they ate out, and drank a lot and I didn't because the exchange rate it horrible in our favor so just be careful when it comes to going out too much because you will drain your bank account real quick. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out all the time, cook for yourself and if you want to travel save money! The money that alcoholic drink (or 4) you're going to buy at the bar/pub/club can be spent on a plane ticket or train ticket to somewhere new in Europe. And realize Brits don't party as much or as hard as Americans. They go out and have a pint but don't get really drunk so you don't need all that alcohol, trust me! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish that I knew how wonderful of an experience this was going to be so I could have stayed longer or gone abroad again. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
