Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living and studying in London changed my life Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Fordham University) for

Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Although living in London and traveling Europe is by no means inexpensive, I feel like it was worth every dime I spent. It changed my life because now I know that I can do anything. I learned so much about myself and also broadened my horizons so drastically. I want to see the world and going abroad has only given me a taste of that. Living in a foreign country-- even one that speaks English is something that everyone should do so you can broaden your horizons and learn more about cultures other than your own. It gave me insight into what I want to do in the future, and also made me realize that I have so many opportunities in my life to do whatever I want to do. Studying abroad has empowered me in many ways to be everything I can.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took amazing classes in my field of political science and was able to go on multiple field trips in each class, in addition to traveling to Ireland for 10 days on a field study tour before the semester began. That was the most enriching time I had while abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt at home in a foreign country because of the amazing resources and people that SU Abroad offers. I couldn't have asked for anything better or anything more.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I mostly cooked in my flat or went out to eat. There are many grocery stores near pre-arranged housing and many little lunch spots around Faraday House.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are many festivals all over London and through Europe which are indescribable. The school puts on a trip to Istanbul-- a place I would never go on my own. I loved that trip and learned so much about a culture that was very distant to me. I was apprehensive to go at first, but am so glad I did. I liked going on a school-run trip because you don't have to worry about picking a bad hostel or going on a pointless tour-- they know what is the best.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel very safe in London mainly because of CCTV-- there are literally TV's everywhere to prevent crime. The buses and tube are extremely safe and I even felt comfortable riding them alone at night. Our flat was in a safe neighborhood and had a lot of security measures that needed to be taken before entering. Everything was very safe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? London is a very expensive city. Traveling all the time is also not cheap. I had saved a lot of money for this trip and was able to spend pretty freely, but I did not go shopping very much at all, and spent most of my money on flights, hotels and food. I came back to the USA without too much money, but it was worth it!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the weekend/day trips offered weekly
  • the classes themselves and how they really shaped my abroad experience
  • the strong professors and field study opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I loved everything about the program from the professors, to the administrators to my fellow students. I felt like I had endless opportunities both in London and the UK as well as all over Europe because of this program. I did not study with other British students, but I fell in love with my peers from all over the United States. I made some of the best friends that I have ever had and had the best learning experience about myself and from the professors I could have ever dreamed of. Studying abroad changed my life and anyone who is willing to take the chance and get out there, I could not recommend it more.