Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (History And English, SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: London - Semester in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I really learned some insight not only into the international system we are in, but also a personal insight. I think I have grown and am more mature than before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the workload was mostly manageable, until the last couple of weeks when it began to be piled on and made enjoying the last days difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Was helpful throughout the entire time there

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in Flats, great housing in the heart of London (Bloomsbury) <br /><br /> Acorn was slightly difficult to deal with at times, but for the most part worked out fine

* Food:

England's food can be expensive and not always great. We accommodate our own food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The professors were always friendly and there to help

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never felt in danger in any way

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I'm not sure but over 75 pounds a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's hard not to spend in London, grit your teeth and bear it

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Already knew English, learned a lot about the culture

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is worth everything, go for it!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

British Experience
Course Department:
Instructor: Bernard Rosenthal
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thought this was a great way to get to see and know the City of London. Should be mandatory for students.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Writing about London
Course Department:
Instructor: Liz Rosenberg
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I enjoyed the books, but I thought what was more interesting was reading my professor's reactions to my writing. I wish there had been more speakers in class, however.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Shakespeare
Course Department:
Instructor: Bernard Rosenthal
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Best way I can think of to learn Shakespeare. I went to see a production of the Globe on my own, would have been nice if we could do it as a class because it was one of my favorites.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Law and Justice in British Literature and Theater
Course Department:
Instructor: David Bosnick
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A lot of reading, but all very interesting. Not all of the plays seemed to tie into the main theme, but the lectures were always incredibly interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: