They may still be speaking English in London, but it's a different world than the US. Past Review
By Karinna P (Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin) for
AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London
Yes, I went to religous places I never thought I would have gone. It brought me closer to my own religous practices. I also volunteered with a group of Latinas now living in London and that was eye opening.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Professors were not available outside of class time and were not clear on a major assignment. We could not submit papers electronically when school was closed for a Bank Holiday and could not print the papers. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were times where the staff seemed annoyed at helping us. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The family was not friendly. We expected someone to spend more time showing us other parts of the city, but it seemed more like a hotel. |
| * Food: |
I would have liked a meal plan at the university. Eating was expensive and limited our experience. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Globe theatre, all of the religous places, the West End and Leicester Square, Platform 9 3/4, Abbey Road, Buckingham Palace shops and museums, The British Museum, thrift stores |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Felt very safe |
| 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? | Would have to see budget. |
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? | Stay another week or so after the program. You learn about so much but school can get in the way of your London experience. |
