4 years later and I still wish I were there. Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Florida State University) - abroad from 06/01/2008 to 08/18/2008 with

Florida State University: London - Florida State in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Where to begin... for a girl with big dreams and formerly no international experience, this summer was perfection. I always knew I could get out of my comfort zone (home town, etc) but until this trip I didn't know how true that was. I will always live in a city, seek culture, changing trends, art, music, smart conversation and embrace differences.

Review Photos

Florida State University: London - Florida State in London Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Perfect experience. The location of the study centre can't be beat. You have access to everything - same street as the British Museum, one street north of Oxford, a block or so from the theatre district... no other program I know of provides this. The center is large enough to fit approximately 100 students, so you have friends waiting for you when you get there. Everyone wanted to share the most amazing experience possible. And for academics, Julianna Fuzesi is the most amazing professor I've ever had (and I've since earned my Master's). If you have the opportunity to take her ethnic conflict course, do it. She pushes you, challenges your intellect, and you won't regret it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although 6 people in a 2 bed flat is tight, it adds to the experience. People don't go there to be a drag. If you go with it, your flatmates will be your family.

* Food:

Eh. We tried to save money by not going out to eat. In return, we didn't gain the 10+ lbs most other American students do while traveling abroad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At this study center, you are in the middle of it all!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

One friend needed a treatment and had no issue.

* Safety:

Just make sure you bring friends with you at night. If you're alone it can be a little unsafe, but that is any 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)

Don't go out to eat - save your money for travel, nights out and shopping!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 350USD. More when traveling around Western Europe.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to eat - save your money for travel, nights out and shopping!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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
  • Academics
  • Ease of Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Can't think of anything...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I enjoyed being challenged, but as silly as it may seem I wish I would have been a better packer. I have traveled so much since and have learned to travel lightly. It would have been easier getting around if I knew how to do that when I was 21.

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.