Studying in London taught me so much, especially how to be independent. Past Review

By Chelsey F (English Communications, Emmanuel College (Massachusetts)) for

Regent’s University London: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

I learned to be much more independent from my time abroad. I learned a lot about the country I was living in (England) as well as about living with other people, travel wisdom and experience, and insight into cultural differences. It has made me apply to graduate school in the UK and consider long-term work there as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Some professors/classes were better than others - more rigorous, more involved - but on the whole were not extremely challenging. The grading seemed fairly lax, which allowed for a greater focus on travel etc. The workload was reasonable and professors seemed understanding of student activities and breaks.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I had no issues to deal with and therefore did not make use of the host country program person. The orientation at the start of the program was very informative and helpful, gave a good overview of the city, and helped me adjust to my new environment. The staff member was very friendly and helpful.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	ASA took care of arranging housing off campus due to dormitory construction, and I was very pleased to have an apartment rather than a dorm. It afforded greater independence and forced familiarity with the city. The location of the apartment was convenient and, although the quality of the facility was not very good (issues with water, heat, appliances, etc.), I was able to make it through the semester comfortably.
* Food:	The food on campus was satisfactory, and when eating off campus there were plenty of affordable options nearby in addition to numerous supermarkets for preparing my own food.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Excursions were wonderful, they gave the opportunity to learn more about the country in an affordable, interesting way. School hosted trips to the theatre, program hosted excursions to Paris, Wales, Stonehenge, and Stratford-upon-Avon were all very enjoyable.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt very safe in London - we were given warnings at the start of the program to use caution, and with this awareness, I did not experience any difficulties. Being aware of one's surroundings and the associated risks went a long way to staying safe. I had no need for health services during my stay.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Literary London: Pilgrimages, Portraits, and Passports
Course Department:	ENGL2250
Instructor:	Valerie Kaneko Lucas
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was not very well organized or terribly interesting. The teacher was unclear about grading criteria and assignments.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no credit transfer issues

Course Name/Rating:	Social History: Behind the Veil: Women of the Classical World
Course Department:	HIST2000
Instructor:	Sophie Laws
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	An excellent course! It was fascinating in subject matter and presentation. The instructor was an endless volume of information and clearly cared about the material and the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no credit transfer issues