The Time of My Life Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 09/17/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

CIEE: London - Arts + Sciences (Westminster)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I just gained perspective. You learn so much about yourself and the type of person you are. What you're built for and what you can handle. It's a very revealing experience. It was definitely worthwhile. Some days I still can't believe I was able to experience it.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

As you can imagine there is great food in London. Given the city's diversity, there are so many options. So much to try, so little time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even though I was only there for a short period of time, London felt like home. You just pick up so much about the country and city during your stay that you really begin to think and understand thins as a Londoner. It was amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was never a time in London where I felt unsafe or my life was in danger. No time of day or night did I ever feel like I needed to be home or with other people. It really shocked me how safe I felt in such a large city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved every second of my experience. I would change a single thing about it. I just wish I had more time to experience it all.

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)

London is crazy expensive. Be prepared to spend a lot or learn how to manage your finances. I felt like I was burning through money on food, Tube rides, etc. You'll enjoy every experience but make sure its worth your money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-300 GBP
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you can buy groceries and cook.. DO THIS! You'll want to eat out but learn to balance this with home-cooked meals. Also get the monthly Tube plan. Your Tube rides are going to add up, it is so much easier to do the monthly plan than to top up every other day. Also walk! Its a beautiful city, if your destination is a reasonable distance walk there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • London
  • Excursion Trip
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Accommodations
  • Pre-Departure Planning
  • Receiving Grades
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much money I would spend. I spent so much that I really could have saved or spent smarter. I also wish I would've taken advantage of the free things in London. There's so much to do, get out there and do it!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.