Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I am so glad I went! It was the best time of my life! Past Review

By (Business Management, Regis College) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

Regent’s University London: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am pretty independent. I am a city girl. All though I missed my family terribly, I would do it all over it again ten more times!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Nothing too difficult, there were a lot of group projects which helped me meet a lot of people who did not live on campus, however it was often difficult to meet up with everyone at times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish I didn't have to share a small fridge with the whole floor.

* Food:

Breakfast could have had more variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The school host the best events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick while I was abroad and their wasn't a nurse on campus, I had to pay for health care out of pocket and it was extremely expensive. Luckily I was partially reimbursed once I returned.

* Safety:

I felt super safe at all times, I can't say I was ever in any real danger while in London.

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)

I didn't like that I had a budget for food and that I had to pay for silly items such as butter for my bread. The cafeteria should have had just a limit on the amount of meals throughout the week. The other places to eat on campus should have a declining budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? London is quite expensive, I spent over $150 on food and transportation every week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I have a few money saving tips, - Top-up your oyster card with just one large balance such as 50 pounds that way you will have no problem getting around throughout the semester. Taxis can be expensive and buses run all night. -Take advantage of student discounts when shopping -Go food shopping off campus and buy snacks that do not require refrigeration. That way your food is safely stored in your dorm and if you hungry late night you have something to munch on. -If you decide to get somewhere by car, use UBER. It's the most economic way of traveling by car. - If you are traveling outside of London, use Ryanair, or EasyJet for cheap flights and plan out your whole trip ahead of time. Buy any bus fares before you arrive. - Try to give yourself of budget and definitely convert the currency on every item you buy. It will help put things in perspective. - If you are going to use an ATM, take a large amount of money out at a time to avoid fees. There are many Free ATMs in London.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 school is in the city area
  • awesome events
* What could be improved?
  • food ( breakfast)
  • Bigger fridge for dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not too many U.K students, mostly international students. I was looking forward to picking up the dialect.

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.