Life-Changing Past Review
By Natalie B (Liberal Arts, General Studies, Marywood University) - abroad from 09/11/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
King's College London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much about myself, other people, and other cultures. My view of the world expanded and increased as a result of my studying abroad. The friends and memories you make while abroad will last a lifetime. You will develop a love and appreciation for traveling and will become more confident in doing so on your won. Get involved with as much as possible, try new things, and don't be afraid to do things on your own. You'll realize that you are capable of much more than you think.
Personal Information
| 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. |
I took classes with international students, sometimes being the only American. This provided me with a new and exciting experience. The classes themselves, especially large lectures, I found myself skipping, yet I spent hours in the library with a stack of books writing essay after essay. So I would spent more time than I expected on school, particularly outside the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I knew very little information from King's College prior to entering the program. I understand that there are many students that enter King's as international students, but I never felt like I was given a comprehensive understanding on what to expect, even after getting to London. The website was disorganized and often times gave contradicting information. I often times felt lost and frustrated. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Moonraker Point is the best living arrangements for Kings College hands down. A newer accommodation, Moonraker is centrally located in Southwark, about a 25 minute walk across Blackfriars or Waterloo Bridge to the main Kings Campus as well as a 10 minute walk to Guys campus. I lived with 6 other American study abroad students. Each room had a double bed with their own bathroom, and we shared a kitchen/living area. Moonraker hosted many events at the apartments in order to get to know other students, which were from all over the world. Moonraker is just a 5 minute walk to both Southwark and Borough stations, as well as close to Borough Market, the Shard, the southbank, Tate Modern, the Globe and so much more. |
| * Food: |
Because I lived in an apartment, I mostly bought my food at the local Sainsbury or Tesco and cooked for myself, however London has a vast culinary scene fit for any type of foodie. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was very much immersed in the local culture. I chose to do a direct enrollement program because I wanted to not just take classes and study in another country, but to take classes with people from other countries, to live with them, to interact with them. I took the tube, train, or bus every day and made friends from all over the world. I got mad at tourists on the tube and quickly avoided touristy areas, especially on weekends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any issues with health while I was abroad |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in London |
| 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) |
London is a very expensive city, a dollar does not get you far when it comes to pounds. If you buy all of your food at the supermarket then it remains affordable, yet a night out in London can quickly set you off of your weekly budget. It is important to make sure to come to London with extra money in your pocket as a contingency for any extra spending which you might and will do. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The earlier you start saving the better. Save that night out with dinner at a restaurant for a night out in London. Trust me, it's worth it. Many places will offer student discounts. One of the biggest money saving tips is to get a student rail-card. It will give you a 1/3 off all train tickets as well as a 1/3 off all off-peak tube rides. If you take the train/tube at least once a day, this will be a huge money saver. Ryanair is a cheap way to fly. Airbnb is great for weekend trips. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | 1. If you are only studying for 3 months in the UK you do NOT need a visa 2. Have sheets and bedding shipped to your dorm that will be there prior to your arrival. (one less thing you need to worry about on move-in day) 3. Create a list of things you MUST see/do by the end of your trip. Doing so will keep you accountable as days and weeks quickly slip away from you. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
