Hollins Abroad London: Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone Past Review
By Bethany K (English and Creative Writing, Hollins University) for
Hollins University: London - Hollins in London
The study abroad experience has changed my life. The London in my head was much more fantastical than realistic. Now, I have an image, and I understand that other parts of the world have the same problems and the same benefits that we do, just in different ways. It has made my world-view more solid and more supported, because now I have the experience to back my opinion.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | London Metropolitan University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic experience was very good as far as the Hollins-administered classes go. My class at London Metropolitan University, however, was not nearly as challenging as I had hoped it would be. As a Creative Writing major, I am used to 5 to 10 page assignments each week. LMU restricted us to 500 words. Although it was nice to get another perspective, it was not as fulfilling as writing classes usually are to me. So I recommend that Hollins encourages students to take classes above the 1000 level, rather than to avoid them. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sara (our Hollins Abroad London director) was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She was always available to help us solve problems or simply have a chat when we needed to talk. She had a wealth of traveling information and helped us to save time and money and make realistic and reliable plans. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was extremely nice and I felt safe there. There was plenty to do and the transportation options were wonderful and convenient. Our host family was also kind and open to giving us advice, as well as to talking with us about differences between our countries. Also, they were happy to let us sit with them and join them for evenings together in the family room. |
| * Food: |
The food is eclectic and interesting, and there is a vast array of choices. I could not have been more satisfied. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of our excursions outside of London were amazing as well as my own personal trips away from the city. The culture was so rich, I was almost unable to find a way to take it all in. I am so thankful for the experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We were always supervised when out as a group, but trusted according to our age and behavior. I always felt safe and secure. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | This is an experience that can teach you more about being independent, about stepping far enough away from others to see yourself and about perseverance. This trip is not for the student who is not willing to work hard to prepare and sustain themselves. But, if they're up for it, the trip is rewarding beyond all belief. |
