Semester to Remember Past Review

By (Florida Atlantic University) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/05/2016 with

AIFS London - Richmond, The American International University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends for a lifetime and an international perspective. Every minute of it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The instructors were great and the material taught was interesting and challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration Anderson was like a mother to me and my group of friends. She made the experience all that it could have been and more.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was housed right in the heart of South Kensington in close proximity to two major tube stations, Kensington Gardens, and loads of shops and restaurants.

* Food:

The food wasn't amazing, but it was good for the price we paid.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being in classes with locals and study abroad students made the integration process so much easier.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I unfortunately got sick while I was abroad, but getting into a doctor and getting medication was very simple. I even got my refund for the payments I had to make in a timely manner.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

AIFS was the greatest program provider. They made everything easy with their all-inclusive options.

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)

London is very expensive. My advice would be to bring as much money as you can. Save, save, save before you go. I was able to not worry too much about what I was spending as I saved a large amount of money before going abroad.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save save save as much as you can before you go. Create a spreadsheet on what you can afford, but make sure you enjoy your time abroad. A lot of the experience will involve some money spending. If you can't afford to spend some money while you are abroad, I would maybe wait a semester or two until you've saved more.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • All inclusive
  • flight package
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack lighter!