Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An American in London Past Review

By (Communications, University of Kentucky) - abroad from 09/08/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

KEI Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
KEI's program in London allowed me complete cultural immersion and independence to create my own experience. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone!!!

Review Photos

Knowledge Exchange Institute: London - London South Bank University Photo Knowledge Exchange Institute: London - London South Bank University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Taking classes at LSBU was completely immersive, so I was able to take an array of subjects with current LSBU students and learn as they learned. I believe this is was separates KEI from other programs. I studied abroad to study with students abroad, and that is exactly what I was able to do. I took a British politics class that was INCREDIBLY interesting because I was able to see how the Brits view history. It was eye opening how differently subjects are taught!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing program. The entire KEI staff was so helpful, but still encouraged those in the program to be almost completely independent. The on-site director, Susannah, provided insight into London/England history and led us on several excursions within the UK. I really couldn't imagine a semester in London without her.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was located in the center of London. It was a 5 minute walk to campus, 10 minute walk to Borough Market and Tower Bridge, and Tube stop away from Big Ben and Westminster. There wasn't a better, more centrally located place to live in London.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Cultural and educational immersion
  • Independence
  • Centrally located housing
* What could be improved?
  • Payment plans for the overall cost of the program
  • More intensive budgeting advice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt prepared entering a new culture, but was always open to new ideas. I was ever scared to branch out and try new things.

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.'