AIFS: London - Richmond, The American International University in London Photo

It was a great experience and I would recommend it to everyone!

Program Information

Central London is just outside your door when you are living in AIFS residence halls in South Kensington, steps from Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park. Hop on the Tube and visit Covent Gardens, Camden Market (where you can buy vintage clothes and jewelry at a bargain) or Piccadilly Circus.... More

Provider: AIFS
Location(s): London, The United Kingdom
Year Founded: 1964
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Matthew H. (Mechanical Engineering, Miami University of Ohio) on October 18, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2011-05-22
* End Date: 2011-07-01
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses are only 3 weeks long but you actually learn a lot. The grading system is normal and it is pretty flexible for your travel arrangements. It worked perfectly. Teachers also were helpful in providing local knowledge and advice.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Took forever for them to fix our internet. The apartment had mice.

* Housing:

Great neighborhood, cool building, just needed better maintenance. The maid kept it clean but the University took 2 weeks to get out internet working and didn't resolve the mice issue.

* Food:

No shortage of places to eat in London. It is expensive. I lived in one of their apartment buildings so I had a kitchen which saved me lots of money. Their dorm building doesn't really have kitchens/refrigerators so you would end up spending more on restaurants. Don't let that stop you though. Even in Kensington you can find cheap places!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Had a great group that went to the pubs and hung out together. The advisors help plan lots of activities and trips. Never a dull moment!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No problems. Its London!

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Miami University of Ohio prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes are designed to not take up all your time, so you are free to explore.
  • Many small "field trip" activities are offered for little or no cost!
* What could be improved?
  • Internet issues
  • Maintenance of apartment
* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Anyone would benefit. London isnt a drastic change from America. Its a great place to start.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Experienced new cultures (visited 5 countries - weekend trips!) Met new different people, had a lot of fun and learned a lot about the world and myself.