The Absolute Greatest Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Advertising., Xavier University) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So much has been given to me in five short months away from my home, that I never thought was possible. I've learned the beauty of spontaneity. I've learned how much more there is to this world, beyond what I've known for so long. I have learned how much I am capable of - living in a completely new environment, exploring a city that I knew nothing about 2 days before I decided to fly there for a weekend, that I am so much stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. Studying abroad was the greatest decision of my life - if I had any regret at all from my experience it would be that I did not stay for an entire year!

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): London - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): London - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): London - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): London - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): London - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Westminster
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

UK schooling is a little bit different from America, and that's difficult to get used to, but it's not overly stressful, and very doable. The courses are not very grueling at all which makes plenty of time for travel and exploration! And there is normally only one or two assignments in the entire course which is great. Also only 10 week programs, a week off in February for 'Independent Study,' and a three week break before exams begin (if you have any exams!).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA was always there for help and assistance if I needed. Their office is based very close to one campus of school which was very nice as well. The leaders (Maria, Marina, Maria and Tom) were all incredibly nice, funny, and awesome!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

University dorms were over incapacitated this semester due to the Summer Olympics, so we were housed in flats. My flat was located in the heart of London, literally right next Westminster Abbey. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I loved our flat and our location - everything was in walking distance and I chose walking over riding the Tube on many days. The only downside to this was being farther away from most students in the University dorms in Shoreditch, which made for some difficulties in meeting new people, but with the ISA events and classes, wasn't too hard.

* Food:

Some great restaurant, food, and drinks! If you are a picky eater there are many American-type places/food as well!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt incredibly comfortable living in London. Within a month, I felt like it was home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to get some bloodwork done every few months - found a little Diagnostic Health Center that was incredibly helpful, and kept me on file for the next times that I came around. Made things very easy for me!

* Safety:

Many nights, I would go and see theatre shows on my own which would get out about 10:30-11:00PM. Taking the Tube was completely safe, but I liked the peacefulness of the city so I chose to walk home from Picadilly/Leicester Square. Even so late at night and being by myself, I never once felt in danger or uncomfortable in the city - and coming from a cautious person like myself, that says a LOT!

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)

I was very lucky to have amazing parents who helped me out through the semester. They understood this once in a lifetime experience and fully supported the trips and events that I wanted to attend. If they weren't so generous though, I would have definitely been able to survive on a budget. I never felt that anything was too much over-priced, and travel throughout Europe can be incredibly cheap!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Research, research, research! I found some amazing deals on hostels and flights - we were able to visit many cities in 8 different countries in our 5 months abroad!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Trips&Events
  • Always on call for assistance
  • Great leaders!
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • ISA is amazing
  • They were PERFECT!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There were absolutely no issues with my time spend abroad with ISA. I had no troubles, difficulties, or problems with my life in London or my travels around Europe. It could not have gone any more perfect.

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.