Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Abroad in London: My Life-Changing experience Past Review

By (Strategic Communications, Elon University) - 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?
My experience made me more confident and way more independent. Absolutely worthwhile, as I want to move back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took an art class abroad, which was difficult but elon prepared me for the rigor of the comm classes

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was not great, but the location was superb.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

having studied in the UK in the past, i had a lot of british friends who showed me around and helped me get used to my temporary life in London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had several doctors appointments and medical emergencies while abroad, actually. I got a tooth infection early on in the trip, so i saw my family friend's doctor and she gave me antibiotics. Later, I had a kidney infection so I went to the Chelsea Emergency room and they gave me more antibiotics.

* 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)

I knew beforehand that London was very expensive. So i was somewhat prepared for this.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Including personal shopping, groceries, etc probably around $200-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Dont take as many cabs as i did :)

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • Housing Location
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • The dorms
  • Meal plan should be an option
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Budget your money appropriately

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.