Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best five weeks of my life Past Review

By (University of Westminster) - abroad from 07/10/2016 to 07/30/2016 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in London - University of Roehampton

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it was like to travel alone and be more independent. I also gained experience of what it is like to study and basically live abroad with people i do not know. It taught me how to adapt culturally to a new country without the help of my family and taught me how vital it is to involve myself in the social programme activities and make the most of my time overseas.

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.

Was interesting, not very intensive at all. Really enjoyed the trips to the Olympic and Wembley stadium.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Were friendly and very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Kitchen and bathroom was good and the location was decent. However, the bed wasn't comfortable and the room was very stuffy.

* Food:

The food was decent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated, i felt as though i really got to experience the english culture through different experiences and activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not encounter any health issues whilst i was away, hence why i gave a 3 as i cannot really comment.

* Safety:

I have seen that the police are very good and everyone was so helpful everywhere. So generally i felt very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Yes, but i may choose a different country so its a new 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)

Compared to home was very expensive. Thanks to some research and guidance i found some cheap eats and utilised the kitchen at times.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? not sure maybe $100-150 a week on food. Not sure on other expenses as it depended on what activities i did as some were free entry and others paid.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy clothes in London it is very expensive. Likewise same with souvenirs so plan to some extent. Also the tube can be quite pricey and so can alcohol so be careful. Buying a week pass is good rather than filling up every few days which can save money. Also try buy breakfast and lunch from the supermarket its a lot cheaper, they even do a meal deal.

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • The visit to the olympic park and wembley stadium as part of the module. We never get to do that back home.
  • Warner bros harry potter world social programme trip
  • Making new friends
* What could be improved?
  • The beds
  • The consistency in accommodation. Some rooms were old and more dirty, whereas other rooms/floors had more modern appliances and furniture and cleaner.
  • Integrating Session 1 and 2 students together better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Going to more social programme events even if it was something i am not interested in, so that i can make more friends earlier in the trip. Thought it would be colder, wish i brought more shorts.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.