The BYU London Centre was an experience never to be forgotten. Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., Brigham Young University) for

Brigham Young University: London - London Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've found that I am a history nerd. What better place to discover that fact than in front of Westminster Abbey? I've learned to accept people of other cultures, religions, and race in the melting pot that is London. I've developed a tolerance and respect.

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.

The professors (at least in my program) were super understanding to the fact that this is a study abroad program, not a class at home, and therefore that exposure and experience to the culture and life of the city is important. Workload is kept light and grading elementary. Lectures are taught both in the classroom and on the road (the bus).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

London has SO much to offer. The director and his wife live here at the centre. This is their first session, as the reigns were just recently passed over. There were a few hiccups in the beginning, though only because of the learning curve that comes with a position that is new. I'm confident that host administration will only get better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Centre is a flat-turned townhouse that houses around 40 students. It also adjoins to a second house, where flats are set up for the professors and their families. Housing in the Centre is nice; it is well kept. Aside from the problems that arise from a building so old (plumbing, etc), janitorial services keep it quite comfortable.

* Food:

Let's be honest, England is infamous for their lack in food sophistication. Food at the Centre is no different. Don't expect gourmet food. You will come to view it as fuel, and nothing more. If food is your thing, consider another city's program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program gives you around five days to travel anywhere you would like, so long as it is in a two hour flight radius from the Centre. This provides social and cultural experiences of your likes. The program director sets up a calendar of social and cultural experiences as well, which are required and covered in the tuition, that also are great. (We visited Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Northern France, Bath, Liverpool, York, etc)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

BYU is the most safe-cautious university I know of. Safety is not an issue. On the road or at the Centre. Make sure to keep codes to the door secret and blocked from public view of the sidewalk.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sleep when you get home! Immerse yourself in the culture constantly. London has something to offer EVERYBODY.