Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life thus far!! Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering., Florida State University) - abroad from 01/05/2012 to 04/19/2012 with

Florida State University: London - Florida State in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the arts and culture in London but also, I learned a lot about myself and made amazing friends along the way. It was definitely worth every penny.

Review Photos

Florida State University: London - Florida State in London Photo Florida State University: London - Florida State in London Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had a great time and I would not trade my experience for anything. I learned so much academically, as well as personally I grew as a person and my view of the world is forever changed. London was a great location and we were able to use the city as our classroom. I met the most amazing people who are like my family now. I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering studying abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment provided by Florida State with other Florida State program participants and absolutely loved it. It had modern conveniences and was located in the heart of the city.

* Food:

Several grocery stores were located within a couple blocks' walk, and the kitchens were fully equipped. The study center also provides breakfast on week days and occasional pizza dinners throughout the semester.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were constantly going on various group trips and day trips. We went to Stratford Upon Avon, Dover, Margate, Stonehenge, Bath, Wales, Paris, etc. We also went to location within London together like Westminster Abbey, Bloomsbury, River Cruise, The London Eye, Theater performances, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program fee covers health insurance. While I was there I got ill and the program directors sent me to the proper location for care and I was reimbursed within two weeks.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while in London. The program had great security features, such as swipe key access and a 24 hour security guard. I also had emergency contact numbers in the case that I would need them.

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)

It really depends on how much you eat out, go out, attraction costs, personal travel expenses, etc. Some weeks cost me very little, while other were more expensive because I was doing a lot of traveling or sight seeing.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Culture
  • Staff
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • longer in duration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known the amount of traveling I was going to want to do personally, and where I wanted to go once I got there so that I could have better planned ahead for it.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.