Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Nope Past Review

By (NA) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 04/12/2017 with

FIE (Foundation for International Education): London - Study and Intern Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my self and I really enjoyed the experience. I wish I'd had a better program, but I'm glad I went.

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.

Only a couple teachers were actually good, course material was not at all what we expected; all major work from all classes was concentrated in the last two weeks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

No help from FIE

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

11 people in one apartment, one kitchen, everyone sharing a room...less than ideal.

* Food:

Not provided

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We got internships, but mine was stressful and I didn't work with many people, didn't integrate at all with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Friends had health issues come up and had to refer to local GPs and chemists; FIE didn't help.

* Safety:

Our door lock broke and was removed for two weeks before it was replaced. Maintenance had full access 24hrs. Did not feel secure.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Loved London! Hated FIE

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)

I was fine but I budget hard and don't drink often, so I was living off about $30 a week. I did have money for souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $30 a week for food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and drink wisely.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • London
* What could be improved?
  • FIE
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should travel with people.

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!