Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning through Life. Past Review

By (Early Childhood Education, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 09/14/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Brigham Young University: London - London Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much, about myself and about the world. It was definitely worthwhile, and I enjoyed every moment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

One of our professors understood that the focus should be on our education received through our experiences. But our other two professors loaded a bit too much classwork, causing much stress and frustration at the end of the term.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The people at the center were very kind, and always took good care of us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The London Center is getting very run-down, and desperately needs a refurbishment, as things were constantly breaking, and water-pressure in the showers was a constant issue. However, it's a quaint and beautiful house, in a fantastic area, so it was wonderful to live in!

* Food:

Definitely a hit-and-miss. Some nights would be fantastic, then the next night would be quite gross. I myself had many sandwich nights. They were also not very healthy, filled with grease, butter, etc.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the city, and where we were, as well as all that we got to experience. Though I'm sure that the center did partially cut us off from those around us.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Many people had colds, and we just did what we could with strange local medicines. It overall was fine, just a bit strange.

* Safety:

It is a very safe city, if you just remember to be smart. Don't let your bag hang behind you, be aware of those around you, and don't go in strange places at night. You'll be fine if you just use common sense.

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)

London is an expensive city. Depending on your priorities, you can try to get by rather cheap. But be prepared for any situation.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We started in Paris, which they prepared a bit for us with some basic French. But it was very difficult, and we all struggled. The same goes for our time in the Netherlands and Belgium.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second year of French.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • How much we were able to learn through experiences.
  • Being such a close-knit group with all the other students in the program.
* What could be improved?
  • Healthier food.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go with an open mind, and be willing to talk to people.

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 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!