Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Working in Parliament Past Review

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

Hansard Scholars Programme: London - Hansard Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a passion for Public Health Policy and because of the opportunities given to me by my position in parliament I want to make a career out of improving people's access to public health.

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.

Brilliant professors, great material, and an opportunity to write an undergraduate dissertation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very friendly and willing to give me the best experience possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Didn't get along with flat-mates, but great kitchen to cook meals and save money abroad.

* Food:

In London you can get anything to eat at any point in the day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end of the program I felt like I belonged there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I worked in healthcare and can say that the country's health service for students is very good!

* Safety:

Security guards and electronic locks. I felt very safe.

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)

If you want to be frugal you can pull it off in London. It just took practice.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 to 90 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Figure out exactly what your diet needs and keep buying just that from the grocery store.

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
* 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?
  • Internship
  • Location
  • Dissertation
* What could be improved?
  • Improve rigor of application process
  • More speakers
  • Less orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My roommates.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.