Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience that makes you want to do more with your life. Past Review

By (Visual Communications, University of Texas - Arlington) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

University of the Arts London - Integrated Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can survive and adapt anywhere I go either in a country that speaks English or one that can't. I know that I can take care of myself, I know where I would like to live one day and where I don't want to live. I've learned about the politics and the issues of other countries and how people perceive Americans from people all over the world. I've made friendships from people in the U.S. and some that are not. It definitely made me look at the world differently and makes me want to do more with my life and become more cosmopolitan. So yes, it is worthwhile.

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.

Art is subjective but the courses I took were very similar to the ones that I took at home university so their wasn't much growth.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice and clean

* Food:

There is abundance of food and pastries. Pastries being the keyword here.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wasn't able to interact with a lot of British students because my program set us apart from them and they all have their cliques established that getting to know them was hard.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We are used to getting in and out of a doctor's office pretty quickly but with universal healthcare there are no cuts. You have to wait in line for the people in front of you and it could take up to 3 hours just to see a doctor. The only reason I know this is I had to take my roommate to the doctor and all they gave her were a bunch antibiotics to sustain her until we got back to the states.

* Safety:

Just be aware of your surroundings. Don't go down dark alley ways unless your with a group and walk with purpose. There are a lot of homeless people and they will try to sell or harass you. Just politely say 'sorry' and move on. If you ignore them or be rude they will yell and scream at you.

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 really hard especially when you wanted to do a lot of outside traveling to other countries and cities. Just keep in mind the exchange rate when saving money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to lose half of the money you saved upon coming to Europe since the exchange rate is so bad. Don't eat out a lot, groceries are cheaper, and if you do it out, split a meal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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 availability and accessibility to travel all over Europe.
  • Apartment
  • Tutor
* What could be improved?
  • The selection of elective classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The exchange rate and mannerisms

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!