Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My life-changing trip Past Review

By (English Literature, Communications & Media, Spanish, DePaul University) - abroad from 09/13/2014 to 12/14/2014 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?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned how independent I am, how smart and resourceful I can be. I learned that new places and situations and people are things I crave, not shy away from or fear. And there is so much of the world out there to see and experience and explore. It was amazing.

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.

Classes not overly challenging, which was good. I was able to travel and not stress about school. But the information given to us about the classes in advance was mostly inaccurate or misleading, so being more informed about what we sign up for would be nice.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing. Gotta love Cassandra! She was the best. Her emails were cheerful, she wanted us to be involved, she wanted us to happy and make the most of our trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice that it was provided, that it was on campus and taken care of. But the heating system was weird - went from no heat to 90 degrees and the windows couldn't open. Mattresses also very uncomfortable and bathrooms small. Still was great though.

* Food:

I either always cooked for myself in our kitchen or ate out. Those were the only two options. And the food overall in England was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Really. I did everything there was to do in London, I met a lot of people through work and going out and exploring.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have no idea if the health care was good or not, because I never needed it. I was fine and healthy the whole time.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. Maybe it is just experience (coming from college in Chicago) but I was always comfortable, whether during the day or late at night. No off encounters or anything.

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)

The food and transportation and currency exchange rate were the ultimate killer. My budget went out the window the first week. I didn't even buy any souvenirs to bring home with me, because I didn't have the money to spend on anything frivolous.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $115
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You'll spend a lot more than you think you will. So work and get loans before you go. It's too stressful dealing with and thinking about your money everyday while you're there, and not doing certain things because you can't afford it.

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

  • Americans
  • International 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Exploring my new home city
  • Traveling around Europe
  • Working at my internship
* What could be improved?
  • Price
  • Lack of interaction with locals
  • Facilities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The money problem.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.