Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life Changing Experience! Past Review

By (Public Relations, Roger Williams University) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

University of Westminster: London - Study Abroad Semester or Year with an Optional Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be much more independent and self-sufficient. I learned how to make new friends in a strange place, figure things out on my own, and stick to a budget.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: London - University of Westminster Photo Direct Enrollment: London - University of Westminster Photo Direct Enrollment: London - University of Westminster 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 resources on campus were great and very similar to my university at home. However, I lowered the score based on the academic rigor at the university. It is very casual compared to American schools. Class is not necessary to attend and over the four classes I had, I had about 12 assignments altogether... nothing compared to what I usually have. And no finals either! It was great because I could focus more on sightseeing and traveling; however, I wasn't learning as much as I had hoped.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very welcoming and helpful for students coming from other countries.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was living on a campus further outside of London, because this was the Media, Arts, and Design campus. I was taking Journalism and Fashion classes, so it was nice having a separate campus for this. However, I did not find the classes worth living 20 minutes outside of London, and the extra money I had to pay for traveling into the city.

* Food:

Food was great, very cheap supermarket right near the campus. Eating out can get pricy, but delicious to experience the popular chains in London!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult meeting and relating to the local culture my own age. I found that the stranger adults I would meet on the tube and around town were extremely nice and helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick only one time and tried to go to the health services on campus, which has limited open office hours. I waited until it was finally open and there was no one there! I ended up having to go to the emergency room at a local hospital.

* Safety:

I always felt safe on campus, even coming back very late at night.

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)

London is extremely expensive, the conversion rate is almost double! I found that $1,000 was enough to do what I wanted, without being too crazy.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $200-$250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money weekly! I divided that I could spend a certain amount every day. Some days I spent more and others less, so it evened out. If you don't keep track of your money, you will end up spending a lot more than you expected.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Location!
  • Easy travel
* What could be improved?
  • More information about housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked the option to commute from the main campus to the harrow campus for my classes.