An experience I'll never forget Past Review

By Alexandria B (Anthropology, Creative Writing, University of Westminster) - abroad from 06/16/2014 to 07/04/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much about myself, about England, and about the way I would hope for my future to pan out. It was the most worthwhile, absolutely incredible experiences I've ever had.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Beautiful apartment in a great area (Notting Hill)
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	During my second week in London, I contracted a really serious viral infection and was not helped by the ISA onsite director. I was left without healthcare for three days, which led to my fever spiking at 104 and getting me much sicker than I would have been had the ISA director helped me when I called them.
* Safety:	As a girl, I had much more safety issues than men will have especially in London. Always stay in a group, even just with one other person if you can... particularly if you decide to go out at night.
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)	In terms of groceries, I was definitely able to live off a student budget. But in terms of personal expenses such as going out, shopping, etc., I spent quite a bit of money.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Save up before you leave on your study abroad trip. Let your bank(s) know that you will be using your cards out of the country, so they don't put a hold on your account when international charges appear. Keep a stash of cash hidden wherever you're staying just in case your cards are stolen.

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	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?	Being integrated into the British culture Exposure to such a giant part of history Learning about Jack the Ripper
* What could be improved?	ISA's healthcare Roommate pairings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known to save up as much money as possible because things are quite a lot more expensive outside of the US.

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 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Jack the Ripper's London
Course Department:	Anthropology
Instructor:	Johanna Marchant
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Challenging and interesting. Assessed with a group project and final exam. The professor was very well-educated and understanding. I was unable to attend class for several days, including the group presentation day, due to contracting a serious viral infection, but she gave me the chance to make up the work for my grade which was really helpful. Our field trip was a tour of the area stalked by Jack the Ripper, and that was the most exciting part of the class. Very informative and fascinating.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Definitely speak with your advisers in advance. My home university gave me a lot of hassle when it came to transferring credits and ended up only getting this class as an elective credit instead of a credit relative to my major.