Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

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?
I would never change the experience I've had this summer. Experiencing a new culture was amazing. I met amazing people, both from my school and Londoners.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Nearly everything about this experience was perfect! The only changes I would suggest is possibly more communication with teachers when it comes to tests and projects, field trips, and other assignments. I would also have appreciated more integration with British culture--maybe a more in depth class on current culture, etiquette, places to eat, places to see. As much as I was here for the academics, I was also here for the tourist aspect.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I would have preferred more help with getting used to London and exploring, but other than that the program was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the area we lived in, but the flat could use some care. It was slightly dirty and could use some upkeep.

* Food:

Shopping was a bit of a hassle, and buying food in Kensington was expesive, but the food in London is great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Too many to list.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Many students got sick, and the hand sanitizer was never refilled in our flat.

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? Spend your money wisely. There are plenty of free things to do and see around London, but splurge when you really want to.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

British History
Course Department: Humanities 316
Instructor: John Makey
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I loved Makey's course! This man is brilliant! The information was interesting and I enjoyed how it was applicable to things we saw around London.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

World Theatre
Course Department: Theatre 390
Instructor: Josh Machamer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Josh was knowledgeable, entertaining, and truly cares about his students. I thoroughly enjoyed going to his class each day. I will never look at theatre the same way again, and I thank Josh for that.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Romantic Literature in London
Course Department: English 333
Instructor: Catherine Waitinas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Catherine's love for Romantic literature is so obvious, and it was a joy to take her class in London. I loved being able to go to Keats's house, to see what other authors saw, and to experience London on a Romantic level.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A