Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer 2015 Past Review

By (Journalism, Biola University) - abroad from 06/19/2015 to 08/14/2015 with

Global Experiences: Internships in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be an adult. I became responsible for myself. Living in a foreign country, going to my internship 8 hours a day, buying my own food, and simply making my own decisions forced me to grow. I understand what it's like to live in the adult world a little better than before. My portfolio also expanded because of all the articles I got to write. I became a better journalist.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My internship was great. I was placed perfectly in a small organization that allowed me freedom with my writing. Because of this I truly grew as a journalist and I had so many articles published!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had an RA and advisors on site when we needed them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My flatmates were one of my favorite aspects of this program. We bonded so quickly and I was really sad to say goodbye in the end! Global Experiences did an excellent job pairing us all up!

* Food:

Sigh, London. What a great city!...just not so much for the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like a true Brit!...until I opened my mouth and my American accent came out anyway.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Everything is so expensive in London, it's true. Personally, I'm an excellent planner and I had already written out a budget. 200 pounds (around $380) a week was perfect and sometimes I even stayed under.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET. Don't just go and say you'll play by ear -- that's how you end up spending more! Start with a certain amount set per week, adjust if necessary but try to stay under. And keep a separate budget for traveling if you wish to do that.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people!
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing I can think of.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. Everything turned out excellently.

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!