There is so much to do and see in London Past Review

By (Biology, General., Tufts University) for

Arcadia: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I was so nervous at first. But I feel I gained the knowledge of an entire city. I feel so confident and comfortable navigating London (even more than Boston). I met some really nice people who appreciated the differences I had to offer.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed my courses while abroad and was able to understand and appreciate why they might be different from classes in the states. I found the heavy reliance on self-motivated study, reading, and understanding a welcome challenge. I took a mixture of large lecture classes and smaller discussion based classes and found the I particularly enjoyed the smaller classes where I was able to share a different point of view while learning from others.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia was helpful with providing info on how to get started, who to talk to, where to go, etc. But halfway through the program, they seemed to disappear. Perhaps more regularly scheduled events (tours, trips, dinners) that didn't cost additional fees would have prevented me from feeling somewhat ignored. However, the optional excursions they did provide were a ton of fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived a single dorm room in King's College Hall (KCH). The room itself was quite sparse, but I was excited to live among British students rather than living with other study abroad students. My residence hall also had a dining hall, and while the food was not nearly as good as what you will find at Tufts, it was nice to be able to eat dinner with a big group of friends every evening. It definitely was helpful. <br /><br /> KCH is really far away from campus. A 40 minute bus ride or expensive 10 minute train ride is required to get to classes, museums, and central London in general. It was also in a slightly rough neighborhood, and I did not feel safe coming home alone at night. The dining hall and great social scene helped make up for these shortcomings.

* Food:

Not much variety and there were a lot of rules about what you could and could not have.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is so much to do and see in London. Many activities I did on my own, but there were always friends, both British and American, up for some sight seeing or going out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had one medical concern while abroad. Because it was a Sunday, student health services was closed. However I was able to go to King's College Hospital and see a doctor within 40 minutes for absolutely no charge.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? I did not have to buy much food because the dining hall provided breakfast and dinner. I spent 70pounds (now about $120) on a travel card every month.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to free things!!! Most museums are free. It is free to get into clubs if you are willing to go a little bit earlier. Shop around a bit.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? King's College is a big school and definitely a different sort of environment than Tufts. You have to be ready and willing for a change. I also found that a fair amount of independence and an adventure-seeking attitude were a must.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Political Economy of Hazardscapes

Course Department: Geography
Instructor: D. Mustafa
Instruction Language: English
Comments: An engaging, interactive class. Daanish was an excellent instructor who knows how to ask thought provoking.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have already received approval from the Environmental Studies department.