Go to London, just not with Boston University! August 11, 2022

By (Management, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/22/2022 to 07/21/2022 with

Boston University: London - Internship Program, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a valuable and unique perspective on life in different countries as well as healthcare outside of the United States. I definitely think it was worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Quite awful communication with Boston University.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing that we were given was not even mentioned in the program description and was thirty minutes from where we all thought we would be living. It was unclean, lacked privacy, very hot, in a bad area, and we were not reimbursed for unanticipated transportation costs.

* Food:

Food was on us, and London isn't exactly famous for its cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London didn't feel too different from the U.S., it was easy to fit in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Everything was managed well apart from the long commute from where we were housed (about an hour away).

* Safety:

The city overall felt safe, but the area in which we were housed did not, and Boston University staff did nothing to address any complaints.

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

I still had a great time, but Boston University screwed us over during every step along the way.

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)

Although London is expensive, I was able to remain cost-efficient by eating most meals at home.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 100 GBP, much of which was transportation.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home when you can!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Internship Placement
  • Professor
  • Class Curriculum
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Transparency
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can get around almost any country in Europe without speaking the local language(s). Don't let fear of a language barrier deter you from studying where you want to!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.