Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable and perfect experience; I wouldn't change a thing. Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 07/05/2017 to 08/06/2017 with

Kingston University: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was absolutely worthwhile. I think the biggest thing that I learned from the program is to always take the time to appreciate the world and people, no matter how busy I am. It's so easy back home to get caught up with work and just forget about living, but in London, I couldn't ignore that.

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.

Awesome! I learned so much from both of the classes that I took (Live Theatre and Muggle Madness), and I feel like I walked away with some wonderful experiences, too.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was not great, but they were honest with what you could expect (small bathroom, thin walls, rough sheets, etc.), and it was nothing that's unlivable. I slept just fine every night.

* Food:

At the Penrhyn Road Campus, there were a wonderful array of food options, most of which were very delicious. Other than that, I either cooked or ate out for a lot of my meals, and that food was also delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very much so. By the end of my program, I felt like a Londoner and never wanted to leave.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad, but the UK's healthcare system is amazing, and the insurance while abroad was better than my health insurance in the States.

* Safety:

I felt very safe, even in Central London. Surbiton is a quite safe borough. and Kingston is London's safest borough. That being said, traveling with other people is recommended, not only because it's safer, but because it's more fun, too! I did traveling on my own as well though, and never felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program was fantastic. While I do wish I had the financial capabilities to have done a semester abroad instead of a summer (I would have met more British students this way), the experience was still incredible. I made tons of new friends, mostly from other parts of America, but some others from different countries, too (including Australia, Canada, and Ireland), and we were able to go exploring around London together. There were certainly some hiccups at times when I was abroad, but I wouldn't want to change a thing.

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? ~$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just keep track of your money and how much you're spending. Food at Sainsbury's is super cheap, and it's worth it to get food from there every so often to save money. Most of my breakfasts were porridge from there, and because those were so cheap, I could spend more money on lunch, dinner, or attractions.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The professors and the courses
  • The field trips in our classes
  • The social events
* What could be improved?
  • A clear explanation of the travel card (always keep the purple wallet with you)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get ready to walk! I knew that I was going to be walking a lot, but I was not prepared for things like chaffing due to all of the walking. Bringing baby powder or some other type of moistening cream is not a bad idea.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.