Life-Changing Past Review

By (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I just was able to learn about other cultures--their values, beliefs, and ideals. I also worked at a hospital while I was in London, so I was able to compare the similarities and differences between the health care systems. It was truly a "learn by experience."

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My courses were not very difficult, but very informative. They offered a very different perspective--centered from a British and EU point of view. It was interesting to see how teaching and the overall style of classes were very different than in the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our flats were located in a very safe area of London. There were 15 students per floor. I shared a room with two other students. There was a common room on the floor as well. It had a combination of a dorm-apartment feel.

* Food:

We were provided a full kitchen (2 stoves, 2 ovens, 2 fridges, and cabinets) and were responsible to cook for ourselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program prepared us very well to adapt to the British culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My eyelid got infected while I was abroad. I went to student services and they directed me to the closest pharmacy to pick up the necessary treatment. It was very easy. We were also provided doctors' contact information upon arrival at the program in case of more serious medical issues took place.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 55-65 pounds, so between 100-150 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes, if you go to London then you should get a Bank of America debit card. Bank of America has a relationship with Barclays. So, if you take money out of a Barclays ATM, you will not be charged a transaction fee. This definitely saves a lot of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • My Internship
  • Ability to Travel
  • Independence we were given
* What could be improved?
  • PC's study abroad office
  • Financial Advice
  • Meeting more local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive living in the city of London truly is.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.