Living Abroad for the First Time December 30, 2021
By A student (University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/18/2021 to 12/11/2021 with
API (Academic Programs International): London - University of the Arts, London
I learned how to be totally independent and self reliant while abroad. I experienced what it was like to be an adult and making a life for myself with all the responsibilities and tasks that came with it. Despite any of the challenges I faced while adjusting and being alone, it was definitely worthwhile and would recommend it to anyone who had the chance to go.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The highlight of my educational experience there was just the amount of diverse and absolutely lovely student peers. Everyone was different and unique and an absolute pleasure to get along with. There was close camaraderie amongst us so even if directions or tutors weren't clear, we had each other. The other students made this trip unforgettable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were very nice, our rooms were cozy, modern, and very comfortable. It was the best feeling to come back to the accommodations after a long day and return home to my own little space and had everything I could need. |
| * Food: |
Eating out was a treat in London, it has so much diverse types of food. Probably any time of food from around the world you wanted to have, you could find it in London. Going out with friends for dinner was the highlight of the day. Whenever I stayed in, having my own kitchen and space to experiment and make my own food was so much fun. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There wasn't much integration with the local culture through the program. As everyone was American and besides destination trips and 'cultural events' within the city that didn't really offer much mingling with the locals, it felt a little bit like a bubble. Once I made friends outside the program is when I felt more integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare and what was accessible to us was minimally discussed. I reached out about physicians in the area or how to get into contact and all I received was an excel spreadsheet of physicians that have worked with the program. This was the most confusing part of my stay, both home uni and program had us have insurance but procedure and protocol were never made really easy. |
| * Safety: |
London, especially in Zone 1 is super safe. There was never a point in time when I was in Zone 1 where I felt unsafe, whether I was alone or with friends. Citymapper to keep yourself orientated and get around easily is a must. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Groceries and transportation were my largest spendings. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Once you get abroad, please look at what transportation you'll be using and see if you're eligible for any discounts. The one most students would use is either one specifically for students or the young people's discount. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That going to England, life has a whole different pace and priorities aren't the same as in the States. Relax and go with the flow more as you're learning these differences and embrace them. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
