Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fantastic experience! Past Review

By (Art History, University of Tulsa) - abroad from 07/04/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile--I learned what it was like to live in a new culture and am now interested in graduate schools and jobs that have opportunities to go abroad because I enjoyed the experience so much.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My program/university did not include a meal plan, so my dining experiences were unrelated to the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues, but was provided with information and resources.

* Safety:

Our housing was in an extremely safe location and ISA staff regularly checked on our apartment to make sure everything was fine.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is more cost-effective to cook for yourself often than to go out to eat multiple times a week, though it is fun to go out every once in a while and well worth the cost to experience new foods.

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

  • International Students
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?
  • The excursions provided
  • The academics/my university
  • The length of my program (3 weeks in the summer)
* What could be improved?
  • Even more provided excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just general tips--like to pack less, bring only comfortable shoes. Overall I felt well-prepared before I went.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!