Semester at University of Westminster Past Review
By Lexi D'Attile (Hofstra University) - abroad from 01/09/2016 to 05/29/2016 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - Semester at the University of Westminster
- "It's not weird, it's just different." - "When one is sick of London, one is sick of life." - "Mind the gap!" It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Different system than I was used to in the U.S. I recommend researching the grading system beforehand. |
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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? |
If you don't live in Shoreditch, be sure to visit Shoreditch. |
| * Food: |
I improved my cooking skills in an effort to be economical. |
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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 was comfortable going to the doctor in London. Both the University and CISabroad provided me with helpful information when I needed to go. I recommend doing your own research and making a few phone calls on your own, just to make sure it's the right fit for you. |
| * Safety: |
Always felt safe in London. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had a great experience, so I wouldn't change a thing. |
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) |
London is expensive but if you plan your budget you should be fine. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work hard BEFORE you leave. Pick up extra shifts. Start a study abroad fund. Bring more than you think you will need, just in case. Also, buy your plane tickets well ahead of time. I also took advantage of a student Oyster Card, which offered discounted rates for the Tube. However, I recommend walking whenever you can. It's free and an amazing way to explore London. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Laundry was more expensive than expected, account for this in your budget. You are expected to be 100% independent academically, so get used to this idea and be prepared for most of your grade to depend on one test/project. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Modern Art in London |
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| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | We went to a different museum or gallery each week. Loved it. It ensured I saw all that London has to offer art-wise. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No issues, but be prepared for a process. Pay attention to your course requirements and plan for when you home back home. |
