Unforgettable Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 04/01/2019 to 06/14/2019 with

FWI Internships Abroad - Fashion Apparel / Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, about London, about the importance of being open to new experiences, and had so much fun with my roomies.

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.

We got involved in lots of hands-on and practical production work on garments for clients and shoots, which gave real context to my class learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Its an independent program, and once I arrived if I needed help I could call my program manager but we were pretty set before arriving.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Almost all of my group stayed in Gloucester Road housing, in shared rooms with inclusive meals. Really close to the museums. five stars

* Food:

ok

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great city, with so much to see, and do. We loved exploring!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Contrary to what I had read, London is really safe even at night. We took Ubers at night, and mainly went out in groups so safety wasn't even an issue.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I learned so much about myself, about London, about the importance of being open to new experiences, and had so much fun with my roomies.

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)

Pretty easily.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? First use an Oyster card. Pick it up at the airport to get the subway into the city. Second, use the subway, it really is quick and easy.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Leaving my comfort zone
  • Experiencing all that London has to offer
  • My hosts
* What could be improved?
  • food
  • as its an independent program, we had to find our own way around
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? London is a huge city and I'm definitely a small town girl, and my first week was a little overwhelming.

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.'