Semester Abroad in London Past Review
By Alex E (Creative Writing., SUNY - Binghamton) for
SUNY Binghamton: London - Semester in London
I learned that I enjoy living in a city and I can make good friends with the people who live in a neighborhood, I thought I would just be on my own, but i ended up becoming very good friends with the people who work at the board game store down the street.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A little too much reading required, we're expected to go and enjoy London and do a lot but we're expected to read a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our flat was located at 1 Bloomsbury Place in Holborn, the housing was fine and was near the school, we had a large living room and kitchen and I had my own room. <br /><br /> The beds were incredibly uncomfortable for everyone which acorn never did anything about, the rooms were just plain white with nothing pleasing or interesting on the walls, the kitchen had hardly any utensils plates or glasses, I was forced to get take out daily because we never had a plate or silverware available. And while it was nice to be so close to classes we were also right across from a bar/bowling alley which would have people outside being very loud till 3am. |
| * Food: |
It was the cheapest thing to eat, we were located in an area with lots of chain restaurants and some expensive restaurants for tourists |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Warwick castle wasn't great, it was a tourist trap. Other trips should have allowed for more freedom |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had a freak allergic reaction that required a trip to the emergency room late at night, the hospital itself was very nice and helpful and I didn't have to fill out stacks of forms. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent more than I should have, I was given a credit card pre trip which was not a good idea. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would have liked to have been told that I would have to buy my own trashcan and sheets and pillows for my room. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Leave the group of students that your with immediately, strike out on your own and don't look back. |
