London: Best Decision Ever Past Review
By Shelby M (Film/Video and Photographic Arts., Ithaca College) for
Ithaca College: London - Ithaca College London Center
Yes, I learned so much about myself, and my own sense of independence from this experience. I had experiences that even now seem like a wonderful dream. I gained a completely new perspective on my own country, the world, and everyone's place in it. This experience has broadened my horizons and I've been telling everyone I know to go abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Manageable workload (I took 4 classes and an internship), Teaching was mostly pretty bad. Going to locations like museums worked well but the lectures were long, boring, and most importantly I learned next to nothing from them. Art in London was most successful because we went somewhere every class and those trips helped us learn. I wasn't a fan of the system of there being more essays but it wasn't terrible just different. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was a well organized, helpful, friendly, and informative resource. The program size was wonderful. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had a great spot, only a few stops away from ICLC. It felt very safe, the nightlife wasn't very big but it was easy to get around to find stuff. Most of the area pubs were over 21 so that was a bit disappointing. We were very close to a tub station and movie theaters and stores. We bought sheets and towels but pretty much everything else was provided. |
| * Food: |
It was easier to find healthy food there than it is on the Ithaca campus. The food also feels healthier than in the USA. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Paris trip kind of stunk, but that was mostly because Paris wasn't that nice, at least not in the late fall. Although I do feel Paris is a must see so I'm happy it was available. Separate from the program, I visited Dublin, Rome, and Edinburgh, all of which were very nice experiences. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
It was pretty safe, but I know a group got mugged in a nice area. I never had any bad experiences but you have to be careful in that you don't always know what kind of area you are going into. There were times where I wondered if I was in a bad neighborhood but really didn't know for sure. Also I put 3 stars for health issues because it really wasn't applicable. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's good to double the cost of something. So if it's 20 pounds or Euros, pretend it's 40 dollars, then ask yourself if you still think it's worth it. If it is, get it, if not, pass. Overall money wasn't as big of an issue as I expected. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 |
|
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? | It's really well set up, but don't take any more classes than required, do an internship instead. Also, travel whenever possible, it's worth it. I think students who want to explore a lot of countries but have the comfort of living in a somewhat similar country to the US with a program that they can rely on for help. |
