Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London: Confidence, Friends, Cultural Awareness, and Lasting Memories Past Review

By (HISTORY., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 09/12/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

University of Roehampton: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to plan trips, navigate the transportation system, and make new friends with different backgrounds. It was absolutely worthwhile, because now I feel secure enough to visit other countries and to keep up a lifetime love of travel. I also gained some really great friends that will later be good connections in England.

Review Photos

University of Roehampton: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

The classes were not extremely challenging, but they were enjoyable. I particular appreciated the London Studies classes, because they provided an extra chance to go out and see the city. They also made touring more enriching because these classes provided background information before taking trips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were helpful, although I didn't see too much of them. But I know I could have gone to them with any issues if I need to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Lee House, which was very nice. I enjoyed having my own room and bathroom, but having a nice kitchen/common area in which I could hang out with my flat mates.

* Food:

We had kitchens and cooked our own food. But I did love the on-campus Starbucks!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated. Most of my friends were British because we were placed in housing along with the other students- not just internationals. They made my experience the most meaningful, because they were able to educate me on the culture simply by spending time with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an experience with the healthcare. I was surprising very healthy the whole trip!

* Safety:

I felt very safe. We had keycard access into everything, and security was located right outside our building.

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)

It was quite expensive because we had to buy our groceries each week. Also, transportation really added up. Because it was a city, things were naturally more expensive, and the British pound is equivalent to $1.60, so the conversion rate did not work in my favor. Plus, living in a city comes with all sorts of expensive temptations like restaurants and shopping. So I definitely spent more than I originally was planning to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between 100-200 depending on the activities we did each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write everything down and don't get too carried away the first few weeks. Also, as fun as going to the pub/the Union is, it can have a lethal affect on your wallet!!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the city
  • making friends with local students
  • the london studies classes
* What could be improved?
  • the sense of unity among international students
  • the overal caliber of the classes
  • food options on campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive living would be.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!