Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A-M-A-Z-ING Past Review

By (University of Malta) - abroad from 09/16/2019 to 01/10/2020 with

Arcadia: London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was better than I expected. London is full of international people that want to study and have a good time. I learnt how to be more independent and how to plan my weeks so that I make the most out of it. I also learned how to do my laundry haha!

Review Photos

Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Lectures at the University of Westminster were a blast! Lecturers integrated technology and online resources to make the lectures as interesting as possible. Although I was an Erasmus+ Student, I didn't feel the difference because the Uni is so international and diverse that I felt like I belonged immediately. Students were so friendly, and immediately included me in groupwork. Lecturers also knew me by name.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always there to answer my queries and made the paperwork preparation for the Erasmus+ experience very easy and smooth-sailing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied. I was living in Shoreditch,Alexander Flemming, lodging provided by the University of Westminster themselves. We were hundreds of students, all in several blocks or apartments. All of us were Erasmus+ students and we were all in the same situation. We had a reception in the area, a student representative that organised several events for everyone in the lodging.

* Food:

Food not provided. We took care of that ourselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Social and cultural integration is what made the experience. We were all from different parts of the world however, all of us in the same situation. All arrived not knowing anyone and we all wanting to make friends and have an amazing time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were no issues, however there was a clinic close by and the University gave us a paper so we could apply for the usage of the clinic if needed.

* Safety:

On Fridays, we all had a firedrill. Safety measures well all labeled and printed in the kitchen. Staff that worked at the lodging used to come and verify our plugs.

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

There was nothing I would change.

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 not easy, due to the fact that London is quite an expensive city and buying everyday groceries would amount to 20pounds or more per day! However, it was expected because the standard of living in London is quite high.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120+ per/week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Sometimes, it's more worth-it eating out rather than buying groceries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I'm Maltese, however our second language is English, so it wasn't much of a problem for me.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Level Maltese, English and Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be shy to speak. Everyone is in the same situation. You'll end up learning so many other languages if you put your mind to it and open up.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Online Lectures/Notes
  • Location and Transport
  • The importance you're given by the staff
* What could be improved?
  • A communal area for Alexander Flemming
  • Somewhere were student could hangout after 11pm without staff telling them not to make noise
  • Discounted meals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew not to take up so much clothing. That apartments in London don't have elevators, so book a lower level, especially if you're a smoker or if you have injuries.

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.