Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience I could ever have, and will be going back! Past Review

By (Writing, Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 06/14/2014 to 07/26/2014 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 about differences in culture, history, and art. I learned so much about the subjects I study like new ways to write and new ways to think about Shakespeare. It was the most worthwhile experience of my life.

Review Photos

University of Westminster: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Westminster: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Westminster: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Westminster: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Westminster: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great Professors that challenged your view of the world and the subjects you studied.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful student study abroad advisors. They would help with anything!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved living in the apartment/dorms on the East Side. Laundromat and grocery store literally not even a block away. Close to the Tube as well. Loved the single bedrooms but the shared kitchen and living space.

* Food:

I have a gluten allergy and I found more amazing food in my short time in London than the two years I have had the allergy!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Felt safe enough to go out on my own and explore. And the University provided us with great social excursions, and extra tips for London. The street art was one of the most amazing parts of London. Camden had an amazing food market, and there were tons of great coffee shops and parks!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need to use the health care while abroad but all information was provided by our university, and there were tons of people available to call and ask for help if needed.

* Safety:

I felt more safe in London than the smaller cities back home. I didn't feel threatened while abroad but I was always alert.

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 expensive. I was not prepared for the amazing food (thought I would cook most of the time).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't feel the need to always eat out, or buy tons of grocery food. Don't buy the first kitschy thing you see. You will have time to go back and buy souvenirs later. Pack light if you want more souvenirs so you don't have to pay for shipping your souvenirs or extra luggage.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The social programs
  • The dorm/apartments
  • The ability to talk to all members of the program. Both Panrimo and Westminster.
* What could be improved?
  • Estimation of food money.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I spent more money on food and souvenirs than I intended. If I could, I would by less souvenirs and go on more individual trips.

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!