Past Review

By (English , California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) for

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: London - London Study Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It absolutely was worthwhile. I wouldn't change any of it for the world. I met so many incredible people, from very different backgrounds, and was able to form lasting friendships. From taking a history class while living in London, I was able to understand the different aspects of the culture in which i was living. Both theatre and Literature made me more aware of my surroundings and more appreciative of what I have learned. I have a whole new respect for how theatre works as well as poetry. It was an incredible experience, one which I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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.

Workload was a bit much, but the professors were amazing, very knowledgeable and made learning the material fun and exciting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the faculty leaders were very knowledgeable. They were easy to talk to and created an environment within class that was both challenging but called to attention our surroundings. The workload was sometimes hard to manage with all of the extracurricular activities that I attended both on my own, as well as apart of the assigned field trips. None the less, I experienced London in a way I would not have otherwise.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We all were in charge of acquiring our own food/making our own meals. This allowed me to experience the cuisine of England, while also saving money by making my own meals when I could.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Paris trip allowed me to see a different side of Europe. Further, the Oxford and Stratford upon Avon trip also was a way to get out of the city and see other aspects of life in England.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I could not have asked for a better location than Kensington to live in. It is a beautiful area, clean, and incredibly safe. Further, if anyone had health issues, our professors were more than willing to take people to the doctor's office and help in any way possible.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? I think students of any major would benefit from this program. It broadens your horizons and forces you to step out of your comfort zone to embrace different cultures, people, and experiences.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

World Drama

Course Department: Theatre 390
Instructor: Josh Machamer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was fun and innovative. It challenged the skills I had and urged me to grow and refine those skills. I definitely participated more in class than I usually would have.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

British Literature: Romanticism 1798-1832

Course Department: English 333
Instructor: Catherine Waitinas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was interesting and relatable. I learned so much about British Literature and was able to relate it to what I was seeing around me in my daily activities. It challenged my analytical skills and helped me to further understand poetry in a way I never had before.
Credit Transfer Issues: