Summer study abroad in London Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: London - Semester in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was definitely worthwhile. I know I grew as a person, and I think I learned a lot about London, the United Kingdom and Europe in general through this program. Whatever difficulties I dealt with paled in comparison to whatever I learned and the wonderful people I had the good fortune to experience this with. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of the professors were experts in the fields they taught in, and were still able to make all the material relevant and understandable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Emily, Ryan and the rest of the staff were always quick to respond and were very available for comments and questions. Wasn't always sure who exactly to talk to with certain issues; however when asked Emily or the rest of the staff always took care of whatever issue there was.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Large flat with three bedrooms, a kitchen, two bathrooms and a living room. <br /><br /> Was a fairly large house. However, it seemed as though something was always wrong with it -- from the broken oven to the faulty lights and including the somewhat sub par bedding arrangements. Also, help seemed to take anywhere from three days to two weeks to fully address any issues.

* Food:

Not exactly French cuisine, but edible and filling.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's a big city, and like any big city you can get what you want out of it. Anything from nightlife to museum life is available, and its truly a city to fit any taste.

* Safety:

Felt safe throughout the whole trip. Just lock your doors when you leave, and be aware of where you are and who is around.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I'd spend anywhere from one hundred dollars to five hundred on a given week. It's a big city, so the expenses are pretty big too. Also, I traveled quite a bit, so that cut into the expenses a fair amount.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't overspend. Set a given amount on how much you want to spend a week, and stick to that budget.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're thinking about it, go for it. You'll like it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

British Experience

Course Department: Eng 450W
Instructor: Professor Rosenthal
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Through a variety of trips in and around London, the city's history is illuminated. Visiting different areas from the British Museum to the St. George's church, Britain's history from the imperial eighteenth century to the war torn twenty first is brightly painted and laid clearly out.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Writing about London

Course Department: Eng 380
Instructor: Professor Rosenberg
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class focused on personal writings, which took a bit of getting used to for me. However, the presentations and various readings, along with the guests presented in class, served as a real eye opener to a form of writing I really wasn't used to. Learning about everything from the Bloomsbury literary scene to a variety of award winning poets really brought the city to life in a way that wouldn't have been possible without this class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Shakespeare on Stage

Course Department: Eng 245
Instructor: Professor Rosenthal
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class focused on Shakespeare as it was performed, which allowed for a more in depth look into the mindset of Shakespeare as he would have written the works. This was a step outside the normal classroom driven approach, which could have possibly stifled the language and life of the plays. Made the plays engaging and insightful, without difficulties normally associated with reading this caliber of material.
Credit Transfer Issues: