Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a great opportunity to study and travel the surrounding countries. Past Review

By (Business Communications, Lesley University) - abroad from 09/19/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

API (Academic Programs International): London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely gained a lot of confidence from traveling alone and with friends. My independent side was put to good use as well as my problem-solving skills. You learn so much more outside the classroom when you study abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were challenging and interesting but there were few assignments.

* 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?

Most of my classes were with other study abroad students, mostly from America.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues whilst there.

* Safety:

It was a city, but the area was safe and many train and tube stations had police officers or guards.

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

The program had great events as well as amazing on-site supervisors. The staff were all friendly and helpful when answering questions and concerns before and after the program dates.

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)

It was easy because of my school's tuition refund but everything in England was very expensive due to the exchange rate.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average, $200 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can before going. Resist the urge to eat out every night as you save much more if you buy a prepared meal from the grocery store. Choose what you want to "splurge" on. Such as traveling vs souvenirs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Events with students from your home country.
  • Friendly staff
* What could be improved?
  • More international events (we only stayed in England)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had much more free time than I expected to. I should have planned more trips sooner because of that.

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 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.