Amazing but expensive! Past Review

By (Film/Video and Photographic Arts., Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/30/2012 with

Ithaca College: London - Ithaca College London Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it was like to live outside America. It was amazing!

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.

I learned a lot and it was a great experience. Especially for the field trips made it more interesting to learn things.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Finding our own flats is stressful and expensive! It would have been nicer if the school had housing for us. If they had flats at the most affordable prices for a college student set up before we got there then it would be easier. I lived in descent flat but we had mice in our place, the water and lights turned off on us, and internet problems.

* Food:

The country's food was amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt at home there. I integrated easily and never wanted to leave it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

It was very difficult to get by. I wish there was more financial support from my school.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent around $4000.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to go with more than $5000.

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
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?
  • The experience of a new culture
  • The people
  • The area
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring more money.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'