Maymester in London Past Review
By Tava B (Grad School-Higher Education, The University of Texas at Austin) for
AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London
It gave me confidence to explore other parts of the world. I will definitely go back. I wish I would have known we weren't going to have as much time to explore the city, I would have sacrificed more sleep.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | American Institute for Foreign Study |
| 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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved it. Stayed with a family in Alexandra Park. Extremely close to an aboveground train as well as a tube stop. They were very friendly and made us feel comfortable in their home. <br /><br /> Large room is safe neighborhood. Located outside of the city and not very close to any nightlife. Homestay provided bedding and we had full access to the kitchen. We just had to buy our own groceries. The family was very friendly and made us feel comfortable. |
| * Food: |
Don't go to London expecting great food. But the food in pubs is pretty good. And everything needs salt. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Just go off the beaten path. It's easy to get caught up in Central London or want to travel to the more affluent areas like Bloomsbury or Notting Hill or Kensington. But venture out to Brixton or East London and experience another side of London! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would cut back on some of the trips. They weren't interesting and didn't really have anything to do with the program. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
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 |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Ask questions from former participants to get the truth of what went down and what you need to prepare for. Go with an open mind. Budget your time wisely. Don't do too much travelling, remember that assignments are still due. |
