Living it up in London Past Review
By Kaitlin C (Journalism, Ohio University) - abroad from 09/09/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - The London Semester
I learned how to be independent at all times and manage tough situations by myself. I also became more confident meeting new people and trying new things like food or different classes.
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. |
I'm used to having a heavier schedule, so it was a little less rigorous than I'm used to, but that was nice, so I could instead explore the city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the administrators were nice and helpful if we ever needed anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing situation was one of the most difficult things for me to adjust to because I had to live with a group of people and share a kitchen in addition to the fact that parties occurred pretty close by my dorm at all times. This wasn't universal, though, as many of my other friends didn't have any issues at all. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made some great friends and learned a lot about London. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The administrators were very clear about what to do, but I never needed health services. |
| * Safety: |
It was a little scary to be there during the time of the Paris attacks, but I always felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
CIS was great at helping get students settled in and being available throughout the semester if we needed help or just someone to talk to. The excursions were interesting and unique; they were not your typical tourist activities, but interesting things such as a visit to Kensington Palace and high tea at The Orangery. Overall, it was a great experience in a great city. |
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 one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world, so it could be expensive to get groceries or dinner, but the program itself was feasible. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely budget beforehand and keep track as you go. If you can, cook with friends and make meals together that way you save on meal costs. Also, avoid going to the grocery store too often because the bus fare can add up over time. |
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 I knew more about transportation because it took awhile to understand Oyster cards and how to get places. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
