A Great Experience That Gave Me Lifelong Memories Past Review
By Monica Rich (Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/03/2014 to 05/03/2014 with
Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London
I definitely became more independent, and learned some important time management skills. After all, living in a big city you're reliant on public transportation, like the tube, which can be unpredictable. When the tube workers go on strike, you have to figure out an alternate option (happened a few times). You can learn so much living in a city with so much history. The locals are great if you get a chance to interact with them.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very much enjoyed the people who worked in the Faraday House. I had the opportunity to work there during the semester for work study so I got to know the staff well. They were always super helpful and accommodating to all students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We chose to do "off campus" housing and it was a great experience to find our own place. We had a 3 bedroom flat that fit 5, the location was fantastic and we felt like we fit right in to the community. Beautiful place. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I look back and wish I did more, but the area we lived in (Marylebone) had plenty of local bars, restaurants, parks, etc. I felt like I truly belonged during my time in London. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
When I came down with a mild sickness, I had easy access to a doctor, where I was prescribed medicine and my insurance company at home was able to cover a portion of the cost. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt extremely safe when walking around at night by myself. I'd say pick-pocketing is a big issue there, so being mindful of your possessions at all times is very important. But I never felt unsafe anywhere I went in London or the countries I visited. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Living in London was better than I could have anticipated. It was easily accessible to travel to neighboring countries. There was so much to see, and explore. The historical aspect was intriguing, and the museums are free! |
Finances
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* 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 can be a challenge when you're in a big city to stay on a budget. London is very expensive and at the time, the currency rate was not great. I think it's a person to person basis for budgeting, but it does add up. Public transportation, groceries, traveling, etc. It's possible to do, but a little trickier when it comes to different currencies. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | London offers a month to month tube pass, I would get it ahead of time rather than paying each time for a one day or day trip. Research grocery stores ahead of time, some are more expensive than others. Tesco is cheaper than Waitrose! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Time flies, so take advantage of every moment. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
