The best decision I ever made. Past Review
By Erika L (English Writing, Marist College) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 06/06/2014 with
KEI Abroad in London, England
I gained and learned more than I could even imagine while I was abroad. However, I think the most important thing that I gained was a better sense of independence. Living in a foreign city completely on my own really forced me to learn about myself, and I have become a more independent person. It was absolutely worthwhile, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Review Photos
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. |
The education experience was incredibly different than anything I've done before, and that is why it was challenging. It was a great way to get a sense of a foreign curriculum! |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
We had to buy our own food in this program, as we were given full kitchens. But I thought that aspect helped make it seem like I was living in a big city on my own, as opposed to still living in a college dorm. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt incredibly safe in London. However, I would always recommend people to still be careful even though London is not a threatening city. |
| 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) |
It's fairly easy to live in London while on a budget. It's a very expensive city, but it s easy to find options for food, etc. that are relatively cheap. However, it is when you want to travel outside of London that you have to start being a little bit more careful with your money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely budget your money wisely! Try to make a budget the first week on how much money you think you'll spend on food and in your host city. And once you have that, then plan where you're planning on traveling outside of the city. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I knew a better way to budget my money before I left. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
