London is magical, St Mary's isn't Past Review

By (International Studies, History, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 05/15/2012 with

St Mary's University: Twickenham, Greater London - Study Abroad + Internship, Semester or Full Academic Year

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to appreciate other cultures, how to go with the flow and how to get the most out of each day

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the location of the university, but besides that I felt that the university was unhelpful, unwelcoming and confusing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Besides our first few days, International Officer was no where to be seen. He never checked to make sure we were alright and adjusting well. He was not helpful or prompt in answering emails.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the dorms. I had a constant problem of the upstairs neighbors being very loud until the early morning, often until 4 or 5. The fire alarm went off more than 10 times throughout the semester.

* Food:

It was awful. I like British food, but they were trying to make it bad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved Twickenham and how close we were to London. The residents were so nice and welcoming, a wonderful contrast to St. Mary's.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 was expensive but I just got creative.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groupon, Living social, make your own lunch, RyanAir

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Location
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Academics
  • Host university welcome
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The International Officer isn't going to be there to help and the food was going to be bad

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Telling the Troubles

Course Department: Irish Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This class was the only that was challenging, but very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Explorers and Voyages

Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The tutor was trying to make the course interesting, but she couldn't break down the ideas into smaller, more digestible bites.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Beatles and the Counterculture

Course Department: Culture
Instructor: Richard Mills
Instruction Language:
Comments: This class had great discussions. He incorporated so many different mediums, from books, magazines, film and documentary. Richard was so full of infectious energy. He reminded me why I love to learn.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Religion and Art

Course Department:
Instructor: Robin Gibbons
Instruction Language:
Comments: I loved the field trips and the opportunity to look at the art as we studied it. I wish we had more discussion.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

20th Century Britain

Course Department: History
Instructor: Mark
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: