Most Experience in a Short Amount of Time Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Towson University) - abroad from 07/05/2013 to 07/27/2013 with

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was incredibly worthwhile because not only did I get to learn photography, see a beautiful city, and grow as a student, but I learned about cultural differences, independence, and myself. I am confident that my resume will be boosted by this experience abroad and that I will always be able to use the skills I learned.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My photography class was taught by an experienced and talented photographer who was able to teach us so much in a short period of time!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was always available for questions and advice

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved Ambassador House and the triple room my friends and I were able to live in.

* Food:

The meal card provided was one of the best things about the entire program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The excursions that AIFS planned and offered were a great way to get out and experience the city!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

AIFS does a fantastic job of briefing you about safety during the orientation! I never felt unsafe, but I always kept in mind what the program leaders told us on the first day.

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 meal card provided made it easy to budget for food because I knew that I'd have money on that card. However, the area of Kensington, where we were living, is a higher priced area and you have to be aware of the conversion rate when making personal purchases.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money before you leave for the trip and stick closely to it! But don't forget to factor in spontaneous trips into the budget so it doesn't feel like you're blowing money when you decide to take a trip to a museum or even to another country.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Optional Excursions
  • Meal Card Provided
  • Flight Package
* What could be improved?
  • More ways to interact with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't need to pack as many clothes as you think you do... and be prepared for all types of weather.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.