Burn your money while smiling Past Review
By Andrew S (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/17/2015 to 04/24/2015 with
Hansard Scholars Programme: London - Hansard Society
Despite issues such as money and free time, I would consider my time abroad life altering. The general experience of learning to live in a foreign country is not something you can pass up. This is not dependent on a specific program, however.
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. |
The classes were highly interesting and I enjoyed both Professors. Ultimately cramming two classes, in addition to guest speakers, into a Friday after a work week reduced the appreciable quality and commitment. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All administrators were friendly and helpful but there was occasional disorganization |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The flat's location in London cannot be beat. The living arrangements were probably the greatest value on the program. The policy barring overnight guests was disappointing for numerous reasons. |
| * Food: |
The food in London is great but almost double the price |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Studying with only Americans is limiting but working in Parliament offered a unique immersion into society |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Did not have any health problems |
| * Safety: |
Walked around London at night far more casually than any other European city. The flat's location is far from most seedy areas. |
| 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) |
London is absurdly expensive. I flew to Madrid, lived lavishly for 3 days, and flew back for cheaper than a weekend staying in London. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook you own food on weekdays so that you can enjoy the markets on weekends |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much cheaper it would have been to take a semester off rather than study abroad |
