London: Finding Myself Past Review
By Victoria B (History, Social Studies, Trinity University) for
Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme
I really opened up to people abroad and have become more of a social butterfly because of it. I actually hope to return to London long term, and am even visiting people there for New Years.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Aforementioned, the grading system is harder, and there is a lecture and seminar component for classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Questions were addressed during orientation, but you could stop by the office any time you needed assistance. Study abroad advisers made sure to have our contact information when we were traveling. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Be prepared to buy stuff when you get there! You will be very tired, but your room is completely empty (even no toilet paper). The room's proximity to classes and the campus bar was great! |
| * Food: |
I mostly ate pre-prepared meals. Get ready for small portions and less salty food, but it's better! Indian is amazing. Lasagna (even frozen) is the best. Eat cheap baguettes for £1. Budgens!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Spring break is a month long, so I got to travel and spend time with friends. The royal wedding also happened while I was there, so that was great! The program arranged day trips. I went to the Dover/Canterbury one. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The reputation of the area isn't all that safe, but I never personally felt unsafe. Anything can happen anywhere. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | £80 - included food, groceries, transportation, and leisure money |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's a lot more expensive to set up your room than you think. Budget yourself each week and try to save money from the past week. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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
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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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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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