London Study Abroad is an Experience I'll Never Forget Past Review
By Elleny N (Fashion Merchandising., Marymount University) for
FIE (Foundation for International Education): London - Study and Intern Program
Absolutely. I had a great time exploring London and traveling around Europe. I learned so much about the culture here, especially about the workplace environment. My internship was amazing, and the friends I met here will be my friends for a long time, even when we go back to the states. Living on my own was a challenge, but I think it definitely prepared me for the real world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was unclear who was in charge of our program. I did not feel that the directors of FIE communicated well with the students. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Neighborhood (Kensington) was very safe, clean, and pretty! However, Metro Gate House, where we lived was less than satisfactory. The kitchens were locked at midnight, and that is not conducive to college living at all. Guest policy was obscenely strict, I had to sign my PARENTS into the building for a 10 minute stay. No overnight guests were allowed, and visitors had to be out by 11. We are 21 year old college students and should not have to be treated as freshman. Half the staff was mildly friendly but many of the staff members and desk attendants were rude and unhelpful. I would NOT suggest sending any students to Metro Gate house in the future. |
| * Food: |
- no dining facilities, we had to cook our own food (by midnight that is). |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
FIE arranged several great field trips and events, such as Stonehenge, Bath, Brick Lane tour/curry lunch, Globe theater, Wembley stadium, Parliment, and several others. That was a very satisfactory area of the program. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I was sick once, with tonsillitis, and I had to find my own way to a hospital, and take care of all my medical arrangements/prescriptions on my own. There was no health center, or place to go through the program. They did give us a list of clinics, but thats about it. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wouldn't recommend FIE as a study abroad program, and I've met several other students in other programs who were happy with theirs, so i'd suggest looking into another host program. |
