Syracuse Univeristy: London, moe like Syracuse University: USA Past Review
By Kaitlin F (HISTORY., Fordham University) for
Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London
As negative as my review of my program might have been, studying abroad was the greatest experience of my life. You literally learn who you are as a person, and appreciate everything you have at home in America. I've had the greatest times of my life, and memories to write novels over. I just wish my academic career took place in another school.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Entirely too heavy workload for study abroad students. Had to read over five lengthy novels, many academic articles, write over five papers.... perfectly fine for home university, but when living in another country, you want to have time to see everything, travel, and experience it all. That cannot be done with immense amounts of coursework. The grading system was fine, partially because it was an American university simply in the U.K. Most of the teachers were very stimulating, but some expected entirely too much. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was very organized and they took great efforts to make accessible parts of London and the surrounding European countries for travel purposes. There was something advertised for everyone. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Program size was appropriate. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood was extremely wealthy, "posh", so it was very safe. Just a seven minute walk to the tube (subway), and then a transfer onto another line to get to campus (about a half hour). We needed to buy sheets, towels, some kitchenware, toilet paper, bath towels, and food. We had mold in our flat (apartment), and it took them over 2 weeks to come and clean it. It grew back after 3 months, and was disgusting. Our heat did not work, and we did not have internet for over a month due to the property company (Graham Properties), neglecting to check on the order. No t.v. Three-bedroom, one social room, kitchen, and a bathroom for 6 girls. It was very stressful to live there, but the location and safety was top-notch. Can get anywhere in roughly 20-30 min. with regards to nightlife. |
| * Food: |
There is no turkey here! Quality of food in supermarkets such as Waitrose and Tesco are good, just know where to look. To dine out, I suggest Byron hamburgers (American style!) and Maxwells in Covent Garden. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you do not know anyone in the Syracuse program before leaving, you will have a miserable time. I thankfully had my childhood friend travel with me, and she introduced me to her friends from Syracuse. Had I not known her, I would have been singled out and had a difficult time finding friends. Everyone there, even on orientation day, had a "clique" that they were already classified into. It was very threatening. Even after meeting people in my classes, they were unfriendly and stand-offish. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be smart. |
| 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? | At least thirty pounds a week, give or take. Thirty pounds is about sixty U.S. dollars. Rough. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The exchange rate in London is terrible, so bring as much money as you can because you will use it all. Don't go crazy and go out and party three nights a week or more. You will be broke in the first month. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Think carefully about what you want to be able to do while studying abroad. Students who wish to remain very American, and not interact intellectually with British occupants, should not go here. |
