The Best Summer of My Life Past Review

By Sarah T (History, DePaul University) for

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Going on study abroad was the best decision I have ever made. I learned about the world and other people. It changed who I was and what I wanted to do. I am going back next semester to learn even more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	My first course had a hard workload, but only two papers. It was fairly challenging and time consuming but not unreasonably so. The grading system was very fair. The teaching methods were much like my home university, and were effective. The second course I enjoyed very much, as it was more hands on with the city itself. It had four shorter papers that acted as cultural reviews. The teacher was highly effective, and used a very hands on approach, which was different than any professor I have had at my home university. He also had more life experience in the field, which I learned a lot from. The educational system was similar besides the grading system. The grading system was about the same grade wise though. My classes were more hands on at Westminster, which I really enjoyed.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	it was very effective and everything went very smoothly. i loved it.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	i loved the neighborhood the housing was in! it was perfect for students. it was also close enough to the university using public transportation to not be a hassle. it was clean and i loved it. the only bad thing is that the bathrooms were pretty disgusting. theres nothing you really need to buy. its a great place to live and meet people.
* Food:	There is the best food in London. I loved Yard that was by the dorms. there are good restaurants everywhere. also save money by going to the grocery store! look up the biggest chain near you, it'll have the best prices.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Everything was so perfect! the social program provided by the university was some of the best parts of the overall experience. We went to Wales, Oxford, York, Stonehenge and Bath. It was the most fun time to be with friends and explore the UK. The mid term boat party was also a memorable night. It ended so quickly because it was so fun! Everything around London is great. Just explore as much as you can! Don't ever just stay at home!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	You must watch yourself while in London. The city overall is not the most safe, but I never felt threatened. Just be careful, and you will be ok.
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	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The City The excitement The people
* What could be improved?	Dorm cleanliness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Never just stay in. Go out. Do as much as you can in the time you have. It was the best summer of my life because of all of the opportunities that the city offered me. I made life long friends and talk to them every day. It is very fast paced, so a student who likes lots of activity and action would benefit the most. If your afraid of going, just do it! It changed me as a person and how I perceive the world. It was worth every dollar and minute.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Shakespeare: Themes and Presentations
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	yes! it was great. challenging but perfect for london. The teacher was great! channeling for an english class, but i am not an english major.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no! perfect!

Course Name/Rating:	London: Culture Capital of the World
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	GREAT COURSE! We had great field trips and the teacher was very involved in the class. He was very excited about the subject which was very inspiring. I loved the class very much.
Credit Transfer Issues:	it was great!