My absolutely amazing semester abroad in London. Past Review
By samantha.m.cook.9 (Theatre Arts, Film Studies Minor, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/10/2013 to 12/15/2013 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at St Mary's University (SMU)
I grew so much as a person- I gained independence, and a much greater sense of self confidence and awareness. I would recommend it for anyone who can afford to go.
Review Photos
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. |
Loved the courses I took, but not necessarily the format of UK classes in general. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
The food itself was not very good, but there is point system I was not aware of before I went. You are only allowed 3 points for breakfast, and you HAVE to use those points during the hours of 8:00-9:15am on week days. The points do not roll over, so if you don't manage to wake up in time they are wasted. Then you have 7 points for dinner- with a similar time requirement. If you want lunch you have to use out of pocket money. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The only health care I required while I was there was counseling and they were NOT readily available at all in any way. There was no other available health care on campus, it was a 30 minute bus drive away. |
| * Safety: |
So safe, I never felt unsafe at any point in time in any way in Twickenham. |
| 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 UK in general is INCREDIBLY expensive, and though I did not run out of money at all, I also stayed on campus a lot. I spent the most on traveling in and out of London. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Write down every penny you spend while you're there. Yes, this is a pain, but that way you know exactly where your money is going and you can monitor it. Make big withdrawals from ATMS but only keep about $40 (in whatever currency) in cash with you at a given time. The ATM fees will always equal out to be less if you take big amounts not very often rather than pay with a card. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You don't need as many clothes as you think, the only liquid you need to take over with you is contact solution, don't be afraid at all to explore by yourself, and do not under any circumstances compare yourself to any other international students. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
