Best month of my life! Past Review
By A.j. Z (Accounting, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 07/09/2012 to 07/27/2012 with
IFSA: London - University of Westminster
The English culture is so beautiful and has such a rich history. I would very much like to live and work there one day.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not too rigorous. Right amount of work to allow for a good amount travel/sightseeing/nightlife. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Super friendly and accommodating |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Nice location (by Baker St tube station). Nice facilities. Too much construction. |
| * Food: |
Not like American food, but we had a Chipotle by us. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I belonged there. Make friends with the others in you group and immerse yourself in the culture and nightlife. You'll make friendships that'll last a lifetime. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My friend was sick for a week. Got instant free care. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe. Beware of your surroundings. London is full of pick-pocketers. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. |
| 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) |
Not very easy. There's so much to do and see, you almost have to splurge (when you're there for a month like me). Too many bars and pub crawls I didn't want to miss. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 at least (again this was only a month-long experienece) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out for every meal. Go grocery shopping. McDonalds is never a bad option. Try not to drink/go out every night. Alcohol is very expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Splurge more than you would normally, but be cautious. |
