Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London is Always a Good Idea Past Review

By (English, Truman State University) - abroad from 07/02/2014 to 08/03/2014 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): London - Kingston University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Was it worthwhile? YES! I cannot even begin to describe how much I have learned about the world and myself through this experience. It changed me, turned me into a braver, more independent, and self-sufficient individual. I walked my shoes to pieces, but I wouldn't take back a single, incredible step of this amazing journey. I would go back in a heartbeat.

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.

My professors did a lot of teaching outside the classroom. They encouraged learning through experience since that was the main component of studying abroad. They packed a lot of information into each day, but it was not unmanageable. Also, they knew we were busy, so the only homework consisted of a few papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was about a 25 minute walk to campus, although you could catch the bus occasionally. The room and bathroom were very small, but private.

* Food:

There was no meal plan for the summer session, however, food was very affordable at the local grocery store and pubs were accessible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since we did not have a lot of contact with British students, the only interaction with the local culture was during our free time out in the evenings. The people were very welcoming, though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have to use the heath service, however, I know of someone who broke their foot and the hospital accepted their insurance and gave them crutches and the proper care they needed.

* Safety:

The area in which we stayed was not in central London and was therefore very quiet and safe. Even in central London, I felt relatively safe. It does not hurt to be cautious in massive tourist centers, though. Keep an eye on your bag at all times, especially when the Tube is crowded, and you should be able to avoid any incidents.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As long as you were not eating out every night or buying a ton of drinks, it was quite easy to stick to a budget while grocery shopping. It is always important to keep in mind the exchange rate when making large purchases.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Optional Side Trips
  • Friends
  • British Culture and Society Class
* What could be improved?
  • Accomodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I would have no reason to be afraid. Staring at the Tube map on day 1 was terrifying, and by the end of the week, I had it down. There were so many people to help me along the way, that nothing was too great for me to overcome. I wish I had known that everything would be okay, because it was...it was so much more than okay.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!