Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There and Back Again (as many times as possible!) Past Review

By (University of Westminster) - abroad from 06/17/2016 to 07/30/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew. What more can I say? I had those special moments where you think "Wow, I can actually do this!" and you can't get those anywhere else.

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.

Clearly meant to be summer classes, as some assignments seemed easy and relatively stress-free. I enjoyed this because it gave the student the time and energy to explore the country they were in, as opposed to doing constant school work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always available to help us better explore the UK and take our group on various outings.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very good kitchen and bedrooms.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My American accent stuck out like a sore thumb, but other than that I felt very welcome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues.

* Safety:

The area was great during the day, but a little sketchy when night fell. Big advice: if you are alone, walk with a purpose and a destination in mind, and keep your hand on your purse. There is no shame in running to get where you need to go!

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

Love the country, the people, the food, the plays, everything! I'm so glad I had the chance to take part of this wonderful program.

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)

I spend most of my money on musicals/plays and the occasional outing.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Drinks are expensive, especially shots, so for goodness sake, save your money for something that'll give you some lasting memories and long-term enjoyment.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • Outings
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing that they can do.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Towels are provided in the apartment, and there's a kitchen. Also, look up plays ahead of time so you can buy popular tickets early.

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.