Most amazing time of my life. Past Review

By Michaela H (Communications, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/10/2013 to 05/02/2013 with

Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London

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

I learned so much. I made tons of friends from Syracuse, which made my experience very enjoyable and unforgettable. It was definitely worthwhile. I learned to be more independent and that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is almost always the best thing for you.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I had one of the best professors I've ever had over in London. Her name was Jacqueline Springer. Overall, the education was great.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was very stressful finding housing initially. Syracuse wasn't as helpful as they could have been in helping people that don't know anyone find roommates if they are doing independent housing. However, ultimately, I made a great friend in one of my roommates and the other two weren't an annoyance at all. I also got to live in Holland Park, AKA one of the poshest areas in London - it was amazing.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I got strep throat my second to last week in London and I was assisted very well. Syracuse sets you up with an International SOS card - you can call the number any time and they have a doctor speak with you to discuss your systems and then set up an appointment for you at a local health clinic. It was extremely efficient and easy.
* Safety:	I never felt unsafe while in London.
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)	Living in London, regardless of which university you study abroad through, is extremely expensive. You just have to accept that you'll be spending more while in London than you would at home. That being said, if you search around you can find some deals on food and such.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	It varied. I, also, am not a prime example because I did not watch my expenses as much as I could have. But I'd say, on average, I spent about 450 pounds on expenses (not including housing or clothes shopping).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Try not to buy yourself a whole new wardrobe. I struggled with this. It's difficult not to because you are surrounded by so many great stores and so much fashion while in London. But one tip I have is that it definitely is cheaper to cook for yourself than to go out to eat or buying a sandwich from Pret on your way home. And Morrisons, the grocery store, offers good deals on food.

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?	Location - London is my favorite city. I felt so comfortable there. Friends - I made a bunch of really great friends that go to Syracuse through the program. It made the experience amazing. Pre-semester seminar - I definitely recommend doing one of the pre-semester seminars. I went to Scotland and it is what set the tone for an amazing semester. All of the friends I made abroad were either on the Scotland trip or through someone I met on the Scotland trip. It sets you miles ahead of everyone else and is also an amazing experience. I got to learn an incredible amount about Scotland in just 10 days and I feel like I have a really good knowledge of the country now.
* What could be improved?	Aiding students doing independent housing during the initial flat-finding process.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Talk to English people whenever you get the chance. If you are out at a bar, strike up a conversation with a Brit. They are generally very kind and it makes the experience feel much more authentic when you've made a few British friends who can really show you the city from the eyes of someone who permanently lives there.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	British Music and The Media
Course Department:	Communications
Instructor:	J Springer
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a bit challenging at some points but I didn't mind at all because the subject matter was so interesting, right up my alley, and Professor Springer is such a fabulous teacher.
Credit Transfer Issues: