Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Magical. Past Review

By (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/24/2012 to 06/14/2012 with

Brigham Young University: London - London Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained maturity and cultural awareness. I learned a lot about myself and how I react to unfamiliar situations. I realized I am stronger than I thought. I realized other people can really help you. It was one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done.

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.

Excellent professors and stellar texts.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was really great, but a little unorganized at times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The center is lovely, but I could tell that they were remodeling soon, because there was a general disregard for fixing things. It was this attitude of, "why bother fixing anything and replacing anything when we are just going to remodel in a few months anyway."

* Food:

Almost always great. There were a few times I felt like someone forgot to make dinner and we were having a freezer meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I only felt integrated when I wasn't with other BYU students. Big groups were obviously tourists and made it impossible to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt healthy!

* Safety:

I felt completely safe in London. More safe than I did for the 3 days we spent in Paris.

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)

I have a hard time budgeting sometimes, but overall it was very expensive. That is what I expected though.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save more than you think you'll need. Save money for things like going to shows or extra travel on weekends and stuff.

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 sites
  • The readings we were assigned
  • The culture of the city of London
* What could be improved?
  • Longer study abroad?
  • More interaction with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How short it would feel. I would have been crazy filling my time every second because it went by so quickly.