Winning London Past Review

By (Business Administration and Management, Berea College) - abroad from 01/03/2015 to 05/23/2015 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - Semester at the University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it's not always about what you learn in the classroom, it's how you apply your knowledge to real life situations. It's about adaptation and accommodation. Most importantly, it's about connecting to a place that is different than your own - experiencing it in all ways that you can - and then coming back and sharing that experience with others.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes much easier when compared to Berea, independent learning style works well for me. Classes aren't as rigorous and don't require as much attention.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in student accommodation for international students through the University of Westminster in central London. It was an amazing location and the halls, although old, were well kept!

* Food:

Fish and chips, everything else is bland compared to the US.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Join a society at the university - really the only way to meet people!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt more safe here than any other European city I visited on my trip.

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)

London is a very expensive city, especially with the currency conversion. Thankful that my school helped provide funding and a good budget plan for the semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to do more traveling during your time, I suggest you save money before you go.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excellent support system
  • Free trips around London
  • Meeting other students
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Join a society at the school!! It's the only way to meet people. I'm lucky I jumped on the bandwagon quickly, and joined the cheerleading team!