The confusion of experience and the lackluster reflection. Past Review

By (Dramatic Media, Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 09/16/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

Central College Abroad: London - Internship in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the difference between contentment and appeasement. I learned to observe and to no longer expect. I felt what is was to be apart. I'm not dictated by fantasy anymore. I am more engaged and excited. It was very worthwhile, in that for once my perspective has altered. Well that's at least how I convince myself.

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.

Academic stresses were not overwhelming until finals. The quality of the teaching was excellent though could have been more engaging, given the vivid environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Their office was a second home, the administration were always caring and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall they were comfortable and safe and one shouldn't ask for more than that. Some slight domestic inconveniences, but nothing major.

* Food:

Edible considering the budget I had, but the times when food was provided it was always excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even after several months I still felt there was still a barrier. That was by no means the program construction, but my lack of courage to emerge out of my comfort zone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The avenues and plans to enact when issues did arise were never widely known.

* Safety:

Safety was never in question, though more information on street smarts and districts to avoid could have been helpful.

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)

If was always on your mind, survivability considering the expenses of the city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 95 quid
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out cultural events in far advanced for discounts, but also to prevent sudden impulse buying. Stick to the plan.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Interactions with locals through internships
  • The Film & Theatre Scene
  • The trips and experiences built into the course.
* What could be improved?
  • Provoking people outside of their comfort zone
  • Giving of more than just textbook and tourist information
  • A measure of incremental progression
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are no rules to this. Nor are there barriers. You will only regret complacency. Every is transient. Enjoy the finite.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'