The Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review

By Alyssa O (Communications, Public Relations, Marist College) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

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

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

I gained a better knowledge of how other people live in the world. It also solidified my constant travel bug and I'm looking into booking a trip back over to London after my graduation from college. Studying abroad was definitely the highlight of my college career and I would absolutely go back to it in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

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

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.	All of the classes offered by FIE coincided with my home institutions courses. I was able to fulfill credits towards my major, minor, and core curriculum. Resources available to students were spectacular as well as the knowledge of the professors teaching the courses.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everyone in the FIE office was helpful, knowledgeable, and kind towards the students in the program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing arrangements for FIE students in London was impeccable. South Kensington was seriously the nicest area to live in and being neighbors with the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge isn't so bad either!
* Food:	I honestly really miss pub food. Aside from that, there is no shortage of food options in the area. If you're in the mood for Italian, you can get that. If you're looking for Indian, that's available too. There's always tons of options around.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Go to a pub, grab a pint, eat some fish and chips, and watch a futbol match. You'll fit right in to the social culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I was fortunate enough to not become severely ill while abroad. However, Boots (the common drug store equivalent) is always a great resource for any sort of over the counter medications that one may need. The pharmacists there are really knowledgable and helpful!
* Safety:	I always felt safe when walking around London. That's not to say that anyone can completely let their guard down, but in general I was always comfortable with being in the city.
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, but that being said it can be done on a student's budget. I would allow for at least $150 a week, not including other travel expenses. One of the best things about the FIE program is the unlimited Oyster card. It gets you between zones 1 and 2 on the tube for free at any time!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I wish I had known about the "no conversion rate fee" on the Visa travel credit card before boarding the plane! It saves students a lot of money on the fee to convert pounds to dollars from your own bank at home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The International Internship Component The Living Situation The Variety of Life London has to Offer
* What could be improved?	Long Commute to Internship Placements More Opportunities for West End Tickets/Activities Better Orientation/Exploration Options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	There's no amount of research or reading that can fully prepare you to take the jump of studying abroad. I think one of the most valuable lessons that traveling to a foreign country can offer is learning how to be flexible and adaptable to situations that come up. It's really a personal experience that can transform your life for the better.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Global Marketing
Course Department:	Business
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was the most challenging class I took while abroad, but it was also the most useful and helpful course. I learned a lot about marketing a global brand and the importance of knowing how connected our world is. My professor was great and had a lot of outside work experience that he brought into our weekly class discussions. The assignments we were required to complete were somewhat extensive, yet very helpful for understanding the true purpose of a global marketing plan.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I did not have any problems with transferring credits for this class. It counted towards my business minor as a "Principles of Marketing" course.