Transcendental Experience Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/25/2012 to 06/08/2012 with

Brigham Young University: London - London Theatre Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from this study abroad. I didn't think it was worth it because it costs so much money to travel abroad. But I learned more about myself and about other cultures than I ever have. The experience became a foundation for where I want the rest of my life to go. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I would recommend study abroad to everyone. Save your money and go. It is worth every penny.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great. We lived in nice flats in South Kensington.

* Food:

Food isn't included in the program, so you have to buy your own. You get to experience more local food this way, but it is also more expensive than the London center which includes food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is really safe. It is a big city, so you just have to be smart. The real only safety issue I had was with the drivers. They drive a lot more aggressively in London.

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)

There are a lot of free things to do in London. It's a great city. That being said, you do need to budget and you do need to plan on budgeting for food and all of the things you want to do. You'll miss out if you come with little money.

* 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? $150 to $200 but that included everything I wanted to do, including seeing multiple shows
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Decide what you want to spend your money on before you go. I knew that I wanted to see a lot of plays and musicals and that I wanted to see things that I could only see in London (tours and other museums that cost money) so I didn't buy very many clothes and I also didn't eat out a lot. Food and clothes can suck all of your money if you're not careful. I also was very frugal at the beginning so I wasn't stressed at the end. Don't blow all your money at the beginning, but also plan so you can do everything you want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved seeing shows!
  • I loved the scheduled outings
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we had done more together as a group. It's nice to have a ton of free time, but I felt we didn't get to know the professors and some of the students as well as some other programs.
  • I wish we could have more interaction with local students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Europe is safe. Save money so you can do everything that you want. Get to know the students early, because some of them could end up being your best friends.