Individualized Help from Athena Creates a Great Experience! Past Review

By (West Chester University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 06/06/2019 to 06/29/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Things might not go as planned but that doesn't mean it still can't be good. Sometimes you just have to let life run its course and take you along in the experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Athena abroad was the best program I could have gone on. Everyone was so helpful and very quick to respond. It felt like I knew who I was talking to and I enjoyed feeling like I wasn't just a number to them. The program as a whole was exactly what I wanted.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The University of Roehampton staff was welcoming and accommodating although they could be hard to reach sometimes. They are always willing to help you and make the experience as good as it can be.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They have single-occupancy rooms in shared apartments which is nice because you get to meet new people without having to sacrifice your privacy.

* Food:

Food isn't included but the location is really close to a supermarket which is both delicious and affordable!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went during a summer program and they don't really do summer school in the UK as we do in America so there weren't any locals in the classes. However, the campus is very close to town and it is very easy to interact with locals there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while I was there but health insurance is included in the program and I was prepared in case anything happened.

* Safety:

I felt so safe in London. The public transportation system is extremely easy to use which made me feel better if I was lost or separated from a group. You have to watch your surroundings as you do anywhere but I still felt very safe for my trip.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved everything about my time abroad and It was such a unique experience in my life. The team at Athena was so helpful and really prepared me for my trip as much as they could.

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 is possible to live on a student's budget. I didn't stick to the student budget as much as I probably should have but that was a personal decision. It wasn't necessary for me to spend as much as I did.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spent about $75-$100 a week on food and travel expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try looking into a monthly oyster card because that was the main area that ate my budget.

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

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The team at Athena
  • The friends I made
* What could be improved?
  • The responsiveness of host school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to manage my money better