London Internship: Learning Beyond the Classroom Past Review
By Dana D (Fashion/Apparel Design., Marymount University) for
FIE (Foundation for International Education): London - Study and Intern Program
I truly enjoyed my study abroad experience. I not only learned so much from my internship about the fashion industry, but I also learned so much more about myself. I was surprised as to how easily I maneuvered the city and explored different museums and cultural experiences. Traveling was also a big contributor to my enjoyment of the program. This was one of the best experiences of my life and it opened my eyes to working abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
From the two classes I took through FIE, I learned more about British culture through various trips to cultural museums and class discussions. The class focused on being a better intern was also helpful as we were able to ask questions about how to adapt in a foreign work environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Marymount's study abroad program is very involved as they are excited to help students plan their trips. I do wish the office was a bit more organized concerning VISA requirements and send offs of information to the international program. Overall I learned a lot from Marymount about customs and culture. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed the group I was assigned to live with, we all got along very well and made truly lasting friendships. |
| * Food: |
Students payed for and provided their own food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to do a lot of traveling while I studied abroad in London. I traveled within London but also to Wales, Paris, Oxford, and Amsterdam. I also visited many British museums including the Tate, Tate Modern, British Museum, War Museum, and multiple others. Overall my cultural experience was incredible. I also enjoyed the interaction I had with my boss at my internship as the various tasks I performed for her, led me all over London! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall I felt very safe in London. We were continually warned of certain areas to not visit unless in groups or in daylight. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would tell a student to take advantage of all opportunities presented, that study abroad is such a short time that you should try and see as much as you want and see what is truly important to you. Take trips, and make plans, and budget your money so you can fully enjoy each trip! A student looking to push their limits, and see how they work on their own in a foreign setting would be perfect for this program. |
