Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I really enjoyed London but did not enjoy the BU Program. Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, Applied Communication, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2016 to 04/23/2016 with

Boston University: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my values, and gained a global perspective from traveling. It was a very worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Educationally it was an awful program. I had some of the worst professors I've ever studied with and cannot say I learned much on this program. None of my classes were intellectually stimulating and I even had some professors who were racist and sexist and I can't believe they were hired.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were helpful but you didn't see them unless you went out of your way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room and building were nice, but the security is way over the top. Not being allowed to have friends past 11 really impacted my experience negatively.

* Food:

No comment, we cook on our own.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was absolutely no attempt at integration. We only saw Americans and any social programs we had to pay for in addition to program fees. I was very upset by this aspect of the program, I think there should have been more free programming included in the fee we already paid.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was great, the healthcare and doctors were all easy to use and accessible.

* Safety:

The program was very on top of letting us know about any incidents and what to do in emergencies, although the building security was a bit much.

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

I would choose to study at a British University where I would be integrated into British society and meet people. I did not meet anyone aside from my roommates on the BU London program as most BU students came with friends and were unfriendly and did not want to meet people.

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 easy at all. London is extremely expensive and South Kensington is an extremely expensive area to live in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Easily over $200.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go on the BU London program. It is an expensive area and you will always be paying money for activities as BU makes you pay to do their own programming.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The internship
* What could be improved?
  • Everything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That people tend not to make friends as it is an unfriendly environment not conducive to meeting people. I also wish I knew that all programming cost money.

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.