Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Almost Unreal Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., University of Central Florida) - abroad from 01/18/2014 to 06/07/2014 with

KEI Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to never ever give up on something that I want. It was so hard to study in London and I almost gave up a few times, but it was the most amazing time of my life, and even now, two months after it ended, I wish I was still there. I grew into that life so easily that London is now my home and I would never give that up. ]

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sussana was an amazing coordinator. She acted as a sort of mother to all of us who were in the program. We met her family and she provided so much support to each of us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flats were clean and located in the center of London. They weren't extravagant, but that is what you'd expect from student housing. The best part was my view of the Shard from my room.

* Food:

Food was not provided by the program on most days. However, on most excursions it was included.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with English students during the semester. This living arrangement enhanced my experience because I spent most of my time with them rather than other Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Insurance and healthcare registration were provided upon arrival.

* Safety:

London is extremely safe. I had no problems or scares while I was there.

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

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)

London isn't a cheap city especially after you account for the exchange rate. However, it isn;t impossible to stick to a budget. I went shopping at Iceland once a week and split the cost with by best friend. We only went out to eat a few times a month and treated it as a sort of holiday.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to eat every night. Go shopping at Iceland and the 99p shop. Ask locals for the cheapest places to shop. Join rewards programs and look for deals. Split the costs with friends. Buy only what you need and eat everything you buy. Take note of the expiration dates as food expires a lot sooner in the UK than in America.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The friends I made.
  • The city.
  • The experiences
* What could be improved?
  • One of the LSBU advisors.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would've known how to get from place to place better. I didn't start walking until the second half of my trip, but it was amazing to see the city in that way.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'