Unbelievable experience that I would do again in a second. Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., Providence College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was very eye opening for me. Probably like a lot of other students from colleges in the US, I really haven't been out of the country that much and never lived anywhere besides school and home. Now that I have studied in England and travelled throughout Europe, it is like a whole new world in my eyes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was great for students who want to travel and not be tied down with unneccessary amounts of work. Most of the classes are non intensive and the three classes that I took had 2 assignments that were weighted at 50% each (one essay and the final).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If I ever had any trouble with anything, they were very helpful. However, sometimes the administration is a little hard on the students, such as giving fines for a messy kitchen and getting on everyone's case about making sure they attend every class.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

South Kens is a very very safe place to live. There are three different residences for Boston Universtiy. I stayed in the Crofton (which is said to be the best) and there was always a security guard at the door. The rooms were decent in size, but the wireless internet is very slow. However, there is a kitchen area (which is pretty big) that provides students access to a communal TV and 2 large fridges. The kitchen also has a freezer, and all of your normal kitchen appliances.

* Food:

I gave this 3 stars for the fact that the food in London was pretty good. There is a such a large variety of foods due to the amount of foreign people that live in London. The reason that I did not give the food category 5 stars is because BU does not provide students with a food plan. Be prepared to spend a lot on food everyday and make time for cooking for yourself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the students that you go to class with are from schools in the United States. There is not too much exposure to the local culture if you do not go out, but if you go clubbing or to pubs there are plenty of locals to meet. Also, when the internship phase of your program starts, most of the people that you will work with are from England and that gives you a decent amount of exposure.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any problems with my health while I was abroad, but one of my friends injured her leg and she was taken care of very quickly. There is a BU specific doctor if you ever get sick and I believe that it is about a $75 fee to go see him.

* Safety:

As a guy, I always felt safe at all times walking around any part of London at anytime. However, for girls there are some parts that are pretty dangerous to walk in alone at night. Around South Kens however, I never heard of anybody that had any trouble.

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

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)

Everything in London is the same price as the United States. However, when I say this I am not factoring in the exchange rate (~$1.6 to a pound). So essentially you are paying one and a half times for the same product. Be prepared to spend money London is expensive. A pint of beer at a pub can cost you upwards of 7 or 8 pounds

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150 pounds

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

  • 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?
  • Easy to Travel
  • English speaking country
  • Internship
* What could be improved?
  • Strictness at times of the program
  • Wireless Internet
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The place that you will live is in the nicest part of London. South Kens is one of the best places in London and it is very close to the big landmarks. The tube system is great as well. You will take the tube and busses basically everywhere throughout London. The taxis are quite expensive so try to avoid them.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!