Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overall experience great! CAPA class not necessary. Past Review

By (global politics and studio art, Hollins University) for

Hollins University: London - Summer Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a great time in London, and I hope to return soon.

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 Hollins course instructed by Prof. Fosdal was excellent. He is a great educator, and I left his class with a wealth of knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed his lectures and the many field trips he led. My internship at Metropolis Studios was equally as enjoyable and rewarding. The CAPA class, however, was a waste of my time. I didn't learn anything new from the class, and I felt that I could have been doing something more enriching.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sara Levine was a great help ensuring that everything was just perfect for all of us. I felt that I could talk to Sara about any concern or question I had about the program or about England.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My only annoyance with the living situation was having to switch flats halfway through the program. Otherwise, Chelsea Cloisters is in a prime location and has every basic amenity a 20-year-old student needs. It is, however, quite expensive.

* Food:

Traditional British food is not my favorite, but there are many great restaurants throughout Central London.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Prof. Fosdal's field trips were great, especially our trip to the London Mosque.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No complaints.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Britain
Course Department:
Instructor: Mike Fosdal
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Prof. Fosdal is one of the greatest professors I have ever had. His lectures were relevant, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable. He encouraged us all to ask challenging questions outside of our comfort zones, and was more than willing to answer any question asked of him. The field trips led by Prof. Fosdal were some of my fondest memories of my entire experience in England.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

CAPA Learning Through Internships: London
Course Department:
Instructor: Marshall Hall
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I felt that this course was a waste of my time abroad. I never understood the importance of the class, nor did I leave the class with any new knowledge. Prof. Hall is a perfectly nice man, but I don't think that he had much to offer us. Compared to Prof. Fosdal's class, the CAPA course was a complete letdown. I feel that future students should be able to spend this time doing something more enriching, even without an instructor.
Credit Transfer Issues: