Cultural, Educational, and Hellish. Past Review
By Josh S (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, Ithaca College) for
Ithaca College: London - Ithaca College London Center
The program was incredible, but I wasn't surrounded by the most beneficial peers.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were required to find our own housing. We ended up in Kilburn, which would have been fairly safe if I lived with different flatmates. I lived with four close female friends, who brought many dangerous/unhealthy/risky situations upon us. There was an awesome pub nearby, though, called the Westbury. I highly recommend it. |
| * Food: |
Look into the TasteCard. We purchased it as a deal from CarPhone Warehouse, and saved 50% on dozens of meals in various restaurants. It is pricey, but saves much money if dining out is in the students' agendas. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Go on the ICLC trips, especially to Wales/Bath/Stonehenge. Also, travel with people other than your flatmates, and those with similar travel goals. You'll appreciate the change in atmosphere. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Healthcare is free, but at a cost to comfort and timeliness. Students are mostly in charge of their own safety. Be responsible! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Per week, including rent (110 - 120 GBP), food (10-50 GBP), public transport (20 GBP), and personal expenditures such as travel or outdoor markets (10-150 GBP): 250-525 American Dollars each week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You probably won't get your whole housing deposit back. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Live with people out of want, not guilt. Choose the peaceable. |
