Finding Myself in the City March 29, 2021

By Sienna Estrada (University of Southern California) - abroad from 01/15/2020 to 03/18/2021 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

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

Though my experience was cut short due to COVID-19, those three months abroad were the best months of my life. I miss the environment and culture a lot. There's a lot of independence both academic and personal. I learned a lot about myself during this time.

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	Everyone is super nice and understanding. I always felt comfortable to express any questions or concerns I had.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* 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)	I was very easy for me to live on a student budget. I made a plan for myself on how much I should be spending, writing down my total purchases. With that, I was able to balance money for necessities and leisure/traveling.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$40

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university?	Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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?	the independence the culture the friendliness
* What could be improved?	housing experience
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I knew how cold it was going to be! I was born and raised in California, so there were times I couldn't stand the cold.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	London and its Museums
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Amanda Sciampacone
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Amanda Sciampacone is a friendly and knowledgeable professor. She really encouraged us all to participate as much as we could. Since this class deals with going to a museum every week, students will definitely get to explore London and its history. After taking the class, I have a better appreciation for museums, their displays, and their messages. Amanda is extremely helpful. I enjoyed receiving guidance from her for my essays as well as just chatting about our experiences with London and the museums. I highly recommend this class for an immersive experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Representing London
Course Department:	SED
Instructor:	Markman Ellis
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Markman Ellis was one of my favorite professors! He was extremely kind and interesting, helping me with my essays. Though there was a lot of reading assignments, all the novels/books we read gave me a better understanding of London, which enhanced my experience in the country.
Credit Transfer Issues: