An Experience I'll Always Treasure Past Review

By (International Relations, Syracuse University) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was extremely timid when I started college. I preferred to be with people I was familiar with and in areas that I recognized. Studying abroad provided me with the opportunities to grow as an individual and learn how to overcome my hesitations with leave my comfort zone. I grew to become more independent and confident.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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

Studying abroad in London exceeded all my expectations. Not only was travel to other countries easy, but the courses offered encouraged students to explore and learn about the culture of the city they were living in. The faculty and staff were supportive and truly care about the health and safety of their students. As a student that studying abroad and was in Paris for the November 2015 Paris Attacks, the staff and faculty played a large role in my comfort. I was able to reach out to one of my professors and make him aware of where I was. He had provided me with emergency contacts and with the contact information of a staff member from the London Center that had been in Paris at the same time. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt safe.

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)

England is a more expensive country, so the cost of living and food is a tad pricer compared to other areas. However, it was still very manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 for food, fun, and travel.

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?
  • The ability to travel
  • The faculty and staff
  • The courses offered
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I do wish I was able to understand how much more expensive the UK would be compared the the US. Other than that, there is nothing I didn't know before going abroad.

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.'