London Study Abroad Past Review

By (Philosophy/Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I really enjoyed the program overall. I just wish I had known more about what the acutal course was about, I was completely unprepared for that.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Texas at Austin
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.

Really enjoyed London, but our program was not that interesting to me. We took lots of trips around London, which were all a lot of fun, but I didn't much care for the course or the way the course was taught.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I shared a very large room with two other girls from the program. We each had our own twin size bed. Not the most amazing bed or anything, but definitely got the job done. In the room, we had a minifridge, TV and DVD player, a big couch, and some bean bag chairs. The three of us shared one bathroom, which the family did not use. It was small, but once again, got the job done. The family was very nice and was very accommodating. They offered us full use of the kitchen and any other parts of the house we needed. <br /><br /> Loved everything about my host house and family except its distance from class and the various places we went to for our class.

* Food:

England is not very accommodating to vegetarians. Food wasn't very expensive though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The group and I didn't usually see eye to eye, so I spent a lot of time on my own, which I really enjoyed, but didn't provide much socialization.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Didn't really ever feel unsafe. Tube was great and though London is a big place, I never felt alone or scared.

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 just didn't know why the program costed so much. It is really easy to spend all your money on food and fun. A lot of people went super overboard on shopping, too.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be a social work major.