Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiencing the Wonders of London and Paris Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/10/2012 to 05/24/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in London and Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can travel with people other than my well-known friends and family. I also learned about the importance of cultural diversity and unity. I definitely think that the trip was worthwhile because it gave me pride in my own culture and an appreciation of others.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was happy that the majority of course work was completed prior to and after the actual trip. It allowed me to revel in the sites and experiences that were presented. Taking notes and observations each day was extremely helpful, so that I could recall what happened throughout the trip. The papers and presentations helped me to get a grasp of the history, culture, and society of the two countries I visited.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration that traveled with me gave me a sense of security and effectively organized the activities that were introduced each day. One negative was that the student-leader tended to think that this was her trip instead of our own. She was also got caught up in cliques.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Meininger Hotel in London was in a good location, but the accommodations were not ideal. It offered all of the necessities, but nothing extra. The FIAP in Paris was awesome! It was a lot more spacious and offered cultural activities and games for its guests to use.

* Food:

The food in both of the cities was exceptional. There was always something that I felt comfortable eating.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not necessarily think that I was integrated into the cultures of the cities that I visited just because I did not have time to visit with the locals. However, I did get to see historical landmarks and use the transportation systems that are commonly utilized.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I definitely felt safe in London, but not so much in Paris. The people there have no problem approaching you and trying to distract you from your travel group. I witnessed pick-picketers, and I was cat-called on various occasions.

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)

I think that I did a good job of staying on a student's budget. I spent less than $300 dollars while abroad and the majority of it was one food.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $150 dollars on food and souvenirs each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I did not eat lunch while abroad, but I ate a big breakfast that the hostels provided.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friendships that I acquired.
  • The historical sites that I saw.
  • The cultural activities I participated in.
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of time spent a broad could be shortened or the number of activities in Paris increased.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about currency conversions just because I was a little disheartened knowing that the American dollar was not worth anything in comparison to the pound and euro.