Centre-in-London = amazing experience! Rural girl fell in love with the big city! Past Review

By (Psychobiology, Centre College) for

Centre College: London - Centre in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely! I made wonderful friends, and I now have stronger friendships with prior friends. I am a much more confident person, and less naive about the world. I love sharing stories and encouraging others to try new adventures like this.

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.

I thought that learning about Darwin one day then going out to see his house and where he lived/worked was the best possible combination! It made everything come to life, whether it was the chemistry in art hiding in the Victoria & Albert Museum, chemistry in the Cavendish Laboratories in Cambridge, or seeing a Shakespearean play in Stratford after studying his style.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our professors that organized everything were amazing! They were balanced in strictness but fun and easy-going. I felt so comfortable around them, and had no problems talking when I was upset.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very close to everything in London - it was literally in the middle of the city. Within a 10 minute walk to our classroom, laudrymat, and grocery store. Only downside was the internet.

* Food:

You ate what you cooked - not much more to add to that.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We traveled so much as a group - Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury, Cambridge, Oxford, Paris.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe at all. But I would suggest carrying a purse that goes over your shoulder that is hard to unzip (pickpocketers). We didn't have any problems with health issues except one girl had problems with her kidney stone. Luckily, there was an ER nearby and she was taken there. There were no problems with health insurance for her, and it seemed really simple.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? We were given a stipend of 200 pounds every two weeks.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan to spend a lot of money. And be sure to translate that to pounds/euros/etc.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? GO!!! And don't think twice about it!