Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a life time opportunity Past Review

By (Liberal Arts, General Studies, University) - abroad from 06/13/2015 to 07/25/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and met so many amazing life long friends. Everything I have gained from this experience will follow me for the rest of my life. This was everything that I wanted it to be and 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.

I loved my experience. The advising team was so helpful and the experience was so fulfilling. My only problem with the program was the level of intensity that came with the classes. I felt that for only having 6 weeks to be here and very short class terms, the level of intensity was not ideal. Classes were very interesting but the grading was incredibly intense and overwhelming at times. I wish it was more understood that I wanted to come here and experience this adventure without having to spend such an excessive amount of time on homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was always a toss up. Some situations and places you can walk into and feel completely integrated while in others you can feel alienated. Over all though, you learn something from every encounter, good or bad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Around 150 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Balance! If you're going to eat out for lunch then eat in for dinner and vice versa. And do NOT spend all of your money on alcohol! Pre-gaming is a beautiful thing!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use big words. Speak properly and clearly.

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Location
  • Accessibility to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Lower intensity of classes
  • Group dorming together for bonding purposes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how harsh the grading scale was going to be here. I would've tried harder to receive help and feedback.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.