London: The City Where my Dreams Came to Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the excursion aspects of all of the classes: visits to museums, plays, etc. It really helped me to get to know London and its history better. However the in-class sessions left a little to be desired in that it was difficult to get all students focused or involved in discussions or on lectures.

On-site administration of your program

The administration of host families was wonderful. They checked up on the both the students and the families to ensure that the situation was working and most of the roomate pairing seemed very well done.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood, family, and home were all wonderful in the sense that I gained a second family myself, and a greater insight to what living as a family in London truly means. They were accommodating and provided me with all of the home items I needed (sheets, towels, etc.), I was given permission to use whatever cookware I needed, and they worked with my schedule so I could receive any of the meals I was supposed to have. My host family went above and beyond to help take care of me when I was sick, provide me with housing even after my scheduled and paid for study abroad time was over, and overall they made me feel like a loved member of the family. They were also wonderful in the sense that though I was like a member of the family and all of the rules of the house were clearly set for me (cleaning up after myself, electricity usage, ect.) they understood and encouraged me to go and explore the city and travel as much as I could and they let me come and go as I pleased, giving me the freedom I needed as a 20-year-old abroad. While I would have changed my experience with my host family for the world, realistically, it would have been so so sooo much more practical to live closer to central London and school. While living further out taught me how to cope with tube strikes, get around on public transportation, and really understand what it feels like to live as a commuter in a big city, I think the ease and experiences I would have gained by living in central London wonderful. There are a number of nighttime events I did not attend simply because of the commute and the worry that they would not be done before public transportation would have shut down and I would not make it home.

My family was wonderful because, as a very picky eater put into a vegetarian Indian family's home, I was a little panicked at first about how food and eating would go but they were wonderful in facilitating my needs. It was a little difficult at first because I had never eaten Indian food, so my host family made sure to mix up dinners a little bit and ease me into new foods by cooking at least one dinner a week that was familiar to me (like pizza or jacket potato) and with all meals that were different, they would give me whatever portion sized I asked for and always made sure to have rice. In return, I always tried whatever food they put in front of me. I think it was difficult for both all of us at times, but they loved that I was open to trying new things and I appreciated that they were broadening my world view.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trip to Wales-this trip was wonderful and it helped me to meet and learn more about everyone on the program. It was the first time we had all really spent time together, and to do it in an setting where we could see the Welsh countryside, learn more about the country's history, and hike, ride horses, and see sites such as castles and Roman amphitheater made it a trip that was truly unforgettable Trip to Devon-This was one of the best things I did all semester: caving, hiking, climbing the Tors, getting to see the coast, the exposure to all types of parks (private, public, national), all helped me understand the British landscape better and have a wonderful time with the other students on the program Mayor's questions- One of the most interesting insights into British politics I have ever experienced Plays: The Globe-All of the plays were lovely and being in that setting is an experience ever visitor to London should have (Merry Wives of Windsor, Henry IV Part I & II) The National Theater- The plays I saw here had some absolutely phenomenal acting (The Habit of Art, Hamlet, Dante's Death, etc.) WARHORSE--This production was one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed. I would literally see this play again and again and I thank my program for getting us such good seats. Cambridge-This trip was great! A little difficult to do as a group, but the visit to Kettle's Yard made this trip one of the most wonderful experiences. Bath-I LOVED SEEING AN ACTUAL ROMAN BATH!!! Kew Gardens- A wonderful part of my class and I think it would have been fun to visit as a group and earlier in the year while things were in bloom All museums & art - I love museums, so anytime I could spend class time exploring the art and culture of Britain or the world was great. Some of my favorites included: Ai Wei Wei's exhibit at Tate Modern (and the fact that we got to explore it before it was roped off), our professor's knowledge of contemporary artists at the Tate Britain, the Saatchi Gallery, the visit to Sotheby's to see an actual auction (and see the items for bid from the estate of Wallis Simpson), and many more

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Of all the cities I visited in Europe, or even have visited in the U.S.A., London felt safer than almost any other place I have been and far safer than any other large city than I have ever been to.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Host Family