Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fall Semester in London Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., University of South Dakota) for

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was absolutely worthwhile. The people I met, experiences I encountered, and the overall time I had was phenomenal.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: London
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was not satisfied with the instructors. Majority of the instructors did not seem qualified. The grading seemed extremely subjective and some were not fans of Americans.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't need to use the administrators, for the most part, because I found lots of activities on my own.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood was very safe but the conditions of the rooms were dirty.

* Food:

There were lots of problems with our food plan but they were changing the plan when I left.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a fabulous time! So much to do and see. I did a lot of traveling and really enjoyed my time all over Europe. However, London has a lot to offer and I could have spent all 4 months exploring the town.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I acquired tonsilitis while abroad but I cured it myself. I was expecting to get it and my doctor in the US prescribed me medications beforehand. However, I did have friends that went to the hospital and they were not satisfied with their treatment. Coming from a small town in South Dakota, London and cities in Europe made me more aware of my personal belongings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

English is my native language so my language skills stayed the same.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would suggest looking into different programs. Although I didn't have much success with the school, I made the most of it and I had a blast.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

History of London
Course Department: History
Instructor: Tucker
Instruction Language: English
Comments: History of London was a very interesting class that allowed me to visit the more secluded areas of London. Tucker was not the most organized and at times it was very frustating.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, but getting the transcript back to USD has been a challenge.
Course Name/Rating:

Money and banking
Course Department: Business
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: He is very intelligent and was the most qualified instructor I had. The class was fairly challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, but getting the transcript back to USD has been a challenge.
Course Name/Rating:

Corporate Finance
Course Department: Business
Instructor: Bennent
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a very confusing course and I would not recommend taking it while abroad. Lots of work.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, but getting the transcript back to USD has been a challenge.
Course Name/Rating:

Operations
Course Department: Business
Instructor: Malcom Berry
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Berry was not a good professor and greatly disliked Americans. The class was extremely boring and I don't think any of my classmates enjoyed the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, but getting the transcript back to USD has been a challenge.