I felt like I never left America Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Grading standards fluctuate from class to class, but in general, the system is too lax compared to home campus standards. Professors, especially the British ones were uninterested, indifferent, and don't provide any sense of expectations. The general consensus of British academics is that undergraduate education is not worth their time. They also tend to not believe in "perfect" grades, as in, A's in classes are unachievable.

On-site administration of your program

The student life office staff were wonderful, as were many other staff. The school was able to provide great opportunities to see things around town and things outside of town. There were great deals to see shows at the theater. Something that came at a detriment, however, was that this being an american study abroad program is comprised solely of americans. I didn't feel any type of multi-cultural interaction. Instead, it just felt like Syracuse University planted on foreign soil, Jersey kids and all. I would have preferred studying abroad with a local university like the University of London.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were allowed to seek our own housing, with recommendations made by the university. Most housing searches are done through an agent who then deals with a landlord. We ended up finding the perfect flat in the perfect location. However, the agent system came to hurt us in the end when the lease agreement with the agency was not applicable to the actual landlord. The landlord overbooked our flat the last week of school and forced us to move out. This landlord did find us other accommodation but needless to say, we were not happy to uproot in the midst of finals.

It is a totally false stereotype that the British have bad, tasteless food. London is a hub for cuisine experimentation and multicultural variation. Edgware Road is a good place to find Middle Eastern cuisine and sheesha bars. Head south of Soho off Shaftsbury Ave. for everything Chinese. The Exmouth Market north of Chancery Lane has a great variety of little restaurants and bars. For unusual Mexican food, head to Wahaca. Pubs everywhere serve the British classics like Beef and Ale pie (a must have) and fish and chips. Also, make sure to try a Cornish Pasty.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The school was able to acquire cheap tickets to the Ballet at the Royal National Opera House (tickets usually go for 250 GBP but we got them for 15 GBP). Similar opportunities were available for other shows. Most out of town coach tours were free.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

London is a very safe city in general, but like any other major city there are the areas to avoid, especially at night. Drivers can be reckless and crossing the street can be dangerous.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• Extracurricular activities
• Location in London

• Courses
• Student body
• Instructors