London: Great People and a Lovely Program Past Review
By Amanda P (History, University of Portland) for
GEO: London -Study Abroad Programs in London
I learned that the world is very big and takes all kinds to make the world go round. I'm still figuring out what I learned from my experience, but I know the lessons I learned about life will stick with me forever. Studying abroad has made me a stronger person. If I could go back, the only change I would make would be to do even more and to do whether or not I had someone to do it with me. I would just dive in!
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. |
I really enjoyed all of my classes. The workload kept us busy, but still allowed us enough time to enjoy London. The professors were really interesting and approachable. I did not find much of a difference between the English educational system and ours. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the faculty at the Center. They were so helpful and kind. They helped us with everything, where we should go, how to get around, and where to get answers if we needed help. I loved my Britain Today class because it really helped us understand British culture. I really liked that the program was small, because we all get a lot of attention. Great program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the BEST host family. They welcomed me with open arms and provided me with everything I needed. I loved the neighborhood I was in. It was small, but very close to the tube. I was treated as a family member and get to know my host family really well. They were simply amazing!!! |
| * Food: |
My host mom cooked the best food! I always looked forward to coming home to whatever she had cooked. Restaurants are expensive!!! Try to pack lunches if you can, but there were a lot of good sandwich shops around AHA. Pub food is great!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed going up to Scotland as a class. We got to attend the Scottish Parliament and meet with Scottish politicans, which gave us a great view into Scottish culture. Also, compairing another British city with London gave us a better view of Britain as a whole. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very very safe in London. Whenever I got lost, someone helped me. I never felt threatened. Also, I did have to go to the hospital once and the healthcare was fantastic. My program director told me about a free clinic by my home stay and I got an appointment the same day I checked in. The doctors gave me what I needed in record time and I started to feel a lot better. |
| 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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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? | London was a fantastic city. There was so much to do. My advice is just to go out and explore every inch of it. Even if you don't have someone to go explore with, just get out and do it yourself. Don't waste a moment!!! However, do make time to get to know your host family. You can always come back England, you won't always have this host family. |
