Studying in London: The Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Stefanie H (Creative Writing., Florida State University) for
Florida State University: London - Florida State in London
My study abroad experience was the most worthwhile experience of my life. It was worth every penny spent. From living abroad for a fall semester, my eyes were opened to a greater understanding of the world, which is unattainable in the self-centered culture of America. I learned more in the span of four months than I have learned in my entire life. Because of London's culturally diverse population, I now have a greater interest in cultures all over the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, my study abroad experience was the greatest, most concentrated educational experience of my life. The teaching methods, which mostly involved outside the classroom learning, were fantastic. All of my teachers were dedicated and enthusiastic about teaching the material within its cultural hub. The workload we were given was just enough to keep us focused on our studies at all times, without completely overwhelming us. I have never absorbed such a great amount of knowledge in such a short amount of time, and so enthusiastically, as I did in London. It was the best experience of my life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Program Administration for the Florida State Study Abroad Program in London was fantastic. They were extremely organized and thorough in all of their planning for every event within our program. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing for our study abroad program was in the most perfect location in all of London. We were right in the center of the intellectual Bloomsbury area, where we were also in walking distance to every major part of the city. It was clean and safe, even at night. A grocery store, bank, and drug store were all on the corner at the end of our street. Everything that we could have needed was right at our finger tips. |
| * Food: |
No food was included in our study abroad package. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our biggest trips included in the program cost were to Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, Paris, France and Llandudno, Wales. As a part of the literature program, there were also additional trips to surrounding literary spots, such as Sussex and Chawton. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
London is one of the safest cities in the world. The biggest crime is petty theft, which is easily avoidable if you're aware of the threat. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If finances are not a huge issue in your decision to study abroad, then definitely DO IT. There is nothing more rewarding that learning about something you're passionate about while in the environment where it was created or originated. This particular program was the best experience of my life because it was fun and exciting, but it was also a culture that was easy to adjust to, while learning about the likes of Shakespeare and Chaucer in the midst of their own footsteps. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Readings in Dramatic Literature |
| Course Department: | LIT4044 |
| Instructor: | Dr. Gene Crook |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was one of the most interesting courses I have ever taken. Dr. Crook has become one of my all time favorite professors. I loved his method of having half of our classroom time actually outside of the classroom. I learned so much more about London and the literature we were studying than I would have otherwise. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
