London! Past Review

By (Business/Corporate Communications., Elon University) for

FIE (Foundation for International Education): London - Study and Intern Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was the best experience of my life. Living in another country for an entire semester was a very eye opening experience that I think everyone who is able to should have. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Elon in London program is fantastic. I had an internship that was set up for me in my field of interest on Mondays and Wednesdays and two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which left Fridays for exploring the city or traveling. One of the classes I took was a theater class. We attended a play in London nearly every week. It was absolutely amazing. One of my professors was an Elon professor and the other was British, both were fantastic. I highly recommend the theater class to all you go on the program!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Because the program is "Elon in London," it was an Elon faculty member who led our trip. She was extremely accessible, friendly and willing to help with whatever we needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flats are great. Elon owns flats in a beautiful area of London (Maide Valle). The rooms are small but totally bearable. The flats each have a living room and kitchen. Plus you get to pick your roommates and all Elon students are in the same couple of apartment buildings right next to each other, which is great!

* Food:

I had heard bad things about the food in London but never had a bad experience. London really has everything kind of food imaginable, I don't think anyone would have a problem finding food that he or she enjoys. It is, however, very expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London has an endless about of cultural events and attractions. My only problem was not having enough time to visit all of the places in the city that I wanted to see! There is something for everyone and anyone in this city. I would definitely recommend visiting Oxford and Bath if you take any field trips outside of London. I would skip Stonehenge, no one that I was traveling with found it all that exciting and it is a long way outside of the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Elon really does everything necessary to make you feel safe. We only had a couple scares will we were abroad. One was an attempted burglary at our flats and the school had cameras installed the very next day.

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

As the program was in London, of course, everyone speaks English. We found that in nearly all the countries we traveled to outside of England as well we didn't have a problem finding someone who spoke English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO IT! It was the best experience of my entire life and I would do anything to do it again. London is the most amazing city I have ever been to.