The most wonderful, strange, exhilarating, and fantastic thing I've ever done. Past Review

By (English Language, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/20/2012 to 08/06/2012 with

Brigham Young University: London - English Language in Britain Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Completely worthwhile. I learned so much, and not just in terms of the courses I took abroad. I learned about new people, new ideas, and a whole bundle of things about myself and the kind of person I am.

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.

This particular program did a wonderful job of balancing coursework and travel. The professors handled assignments very well and gave us enough to do while still allowing us plenty of time to really see and enjoy the places we were in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was spectacular! The flats in South Kensington were perfect and met every need I had.

* Food:

Food was largely left up to us, but it was nice to have breakfasts provided by the hotels/hostels. The meals that the program paid for were also wonderful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt so at home in London that it borders on ridiculous.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while going through London. Staying in groups of people definitely helps, but I doubt that I would have had many problems alone either.

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)

Budgeting wasn't a problem. I saved up and set aside money before coming and then stuck to a budget for groceries and other expenses.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40-50 pound per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up a good amount of money so that you'll be able to support yourself abroad. Save enough that you can pay for the essentials, and then add extra for fun things you might want to do or unforeseen necessities. It's always nice to have extra 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
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Visited more than one country
  • Spent time in significant places
  • Had a weekend for free travel
* What could be improved?
  • Staying in certain places for more than one night
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not everyone is going to try and pickpocket you.