Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best semester in the best city in the world! Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 05/04/2017 with

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being independent, making friends, international travel, foreign currency, public transportation, British culture, and so much more. It was the best experience of my life and I miss it so much every day!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

London is such an amazing city with so so much to offer. I made life long friends (although they were mainly all American and I wish I had more interaction with locals) and the area where the school and housing are located (Kensington) is the most beautiful and affluent part of the city.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the meal plan and go to breakfast and dinner in the dining hall to save money.

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

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Housing
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Meal plan
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to navigate the tube system before I arrived because I spent almost $100 on a cab getting from the airport to the school! I also wish I knew how easy it is to get a monthly U.K. SIM card for my phone. This is very helpful for data and calling friends abroad.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.