A semester in London (SU Abroad) Past Review

By (Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/04/2018 with

Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I don't think you can put into words what you gain from living and studying abroad for a semester. It is an experience that really shapes your college years. It has the ability to put your world view into perspective and show you that there is so much more to the world then what we see in our corner of the USA.

Review Photos

Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London Photo Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London Photo Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London Photo Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London Photo Syracuse University: London - Syracuse University in London Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program is great if you are looking to gain exposure to international cultures, and maintain your studies. There are a lot of course offerings that enable you to further your education while broadening your horizons.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The only negative I would say to the program admin in London, was the living situation. When I studied in London the flats we were provided were assigned at random and were anything from a hole in the wall with minimal accommodations to basically luxury flats on Hyde Park. I know in the past they allowed you to pick your own living space upon arrival and I think that is a system they should return to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food is provided on your own dime, but in London there are numerous dining options for anyone.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You feel very much a part of the city when daily commuting to classes on the tube.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues with healthcare.

* Safety:

London felt very safe I never was in a position where I felt uncomfortable in England as a whole.

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

It was the greatest time of my life. I think of it more fondly then any other time in my life.

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)

I would say I spent around $100/week on food and necessities not including traveling of course.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to save as much as possible for going abroad you don't want money to stop you from experiencing the things you want to do.

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?
  • Pre-Semester program in the Nordic countries
  • Travel around Europe
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • The school facilities
  • Communication with Faraday (The School) in London
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take packing extremely seriously and to make lists of all the items you know you will need. I forgot a water bottle! which was a huge problem throughout my time in Europe until I bought a new one.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.