My time with Interstudy in London changed my life forever! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There are many differences in the education system at Goldsmiths compared to my university in America. One of the main differences is that at Goldsmiths you are expected to do much of your learning at home, meaning that you should be spending considerable time whilst you are not in lecture or seminars studying and researching for your course. This is different from my university in America because there we had a very strict syllabus with all of the course work outlined including all of the reading you are expected to do for the course listed. Course work at Goldsmiths was not always easily outlined, for instance instructors will tell you which reading they "suggest" you do, and by "suggest" they actually mean its mandatory and without doing so you will not be successful in the course.

On-site administration of your program

The support I received from the staff at Interstudy was amazing, they were always there to help me with anything that I needed day and night. The staff at Insterstudy allowed me to feel secure and safe whilst traveling abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The student housing at Goldsmiths is within walking distance of the University and surrounded by pubs that are popular with students. New Cross has the reputation for being dangerous, although I whilst living there I never felt unsafe or threatened. The student housing was adequate. Insterstudy makes arrangements for their students to be housed in Goldsmiths student accommodation, where you will be provided with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. For the most part the halls where a lovely place to live, although I did have an issue with inadequate heating in my room and our dorm had mice in our kitchen; Interstudy worked diligently with Goldsmiths to fix both issues and I was very grateful to have Interstudy's help.

The quality of food is exceptional in London, there are many amazing restaurants to eat at that provide food for dietary restrictions as well-for example, I am a vegetarian and there are always vegetarian options clearly labeled at all restaurants I visited in London. However, London is expensive and I suggest eating in and preparing your own meals to those who are on a budget.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Interstudy arranged for two trips to Ireland during my year in England, they were lovely trips and it allowed me the opportunity to travel and see parts of the world I wouldn't of seen on my own. Interstudy also arranged for fun adventures for us on London as well. Upon my arrival in London I was shown around the city by Coleman (my UK contact for Interstudy), he showed us how to navigate the city and also took us to some historical sites such as the tower of London. With Coleman, we also did a theater night every term in London where Interstudy allowed for us to see a play and have dinner at a nice restaurant (all expenses paid by Interstudy), these nights were highly enjoyable.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

London can be a very dangerous city if precautions are not taken, most of the safety tips are common sense such as don't go places with people you don't know, don't cary large amounts of money on you when you are out in the city and make sure that your purse is securely shut so you don't get pick pocketed. I would also recommend that you never take a mini cab alone and always make sure that if you take a taxi that they are licensed cabs (they will have identification in their window). Healthcare for students in England is free so if you are ever sick you need not worry about medical bills.

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

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• Dorm

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• Local Students