An unforgettable time filled with fun and growth Past Review
By Samantha B (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2019 to 04/20/2019 with
Hansard Scholars Programme: London - Hansard Society
I gained many different professional skills in terms of dealing with people with a different background than I, and working through any stereotypes that may or may not come with it. I got professional experience in an international political system. I learned how to survive and live on my own (with assistance if needed) and grew as an individual. It was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Definitely not as rigorous as Brandeis at times but the dissertation is certainly challenging, but it is doable! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Were available whenever needed and supportive |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived basically in the heart of London and I thought it was a wonderful place to live in Waterloo! |
| * Food: |
London is an expensive city - but it is possible to live affordably in the city I recommend grocery shopping and finding reasonable places to eat out at! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As like in any major city, it is never 100% safe; however, be aware of surroundings and never walk around alone at night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
While the programme had its moments of dysfunction due to the unprecedented size of the group, overall it was an amazing experience to live in London and work in the heart of the government. |
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) |
It definitely takes budgeting and perhaps not traveling to Europe every weekend but if you stick to your budget there are plenty of opportunities to live on a constricted budget while having money for food and entertainment. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approximately $100-200 a week but I came in under my $3,000 total budget and had enough food and was able to take some trips |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely have a general budget before going and I recommend using physical money instead of a card because having the physical money reminds you to be aware of how much you are spending and bulk shop when buying food so you don't have to keep going out and buying more food! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is not as daunting as it may seem to spend a semester studying abroad especially for someone who had never been abroad or on an airplane before - your abroad experiences will be invaluable and worth it in the end. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
