Best Time Ever Past Review

By Laura S (Business, Regent’s University London) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 04/30/2015 with

Regent’s University London: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I met so many people from all different parts of the world, so I really learned to see things through other perspectives and behave differently. Also, is the best way to learn a second language since you will be using it all day everyday.At last, since your time abroad is limited, you just NEED to know every place, so when you're not studying, you're travelling!

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.	Some subjects were too easy, and the professor could have easily made it harder Library is very good though! Nice working area.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I found accommodation on my own, but the people at Regent's helped me out with some tips
* Food:	Very cheap and many options! Loved the salad bar.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I don't think the university had something to do with my cultural integration
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I needed assistance one, but there was no first aid post. The lady in the reception helped me out a little
* Safety:	Central London is unbelievably safe. Could catch a bus home at 5am that it was ok!
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)	1 London is really, really expensive. However, University is easily accessed (tube station and many bus stops nearby), and the food was cheap (2.95 pounds for a big salad box!).
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	250pounds on average. (But I believe I spend more than most people, I'm always buying clothes, books and experiencing new restaurants)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	If you can't have lunch at home, have a lunch box and take it to uni. Cooking at home is always cheaper. Also, look for the cheapest combined purchases of transportation tickets and always look for student discounts--they're everywhere!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	7 years of english
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Just talking, to as many peple as you can, and on't stay friends with people from your own country.

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
* 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 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?	Different views of subjects People from different places Professor encouraging off class activities
* What could be improved?	Some subjects were too easy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	All university areas. Everything is so big and there are many things on other floors or on very hidden passages!

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Topics in African History
Course Department:
Instructor:	Caroline Varin
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	One of the greatest classes I've ever had. Varin is amazing, she inspires her students and makes us more interested in african subjects, and politics in general. She suggested many off classroom lectures that were very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: