London: Never a Dull Moment Past Review
By Andrea H (Strategic Communications, Texas Christian University) for
Texas Christian University (TCU): London - Journalism in London, Summer Program
I think getting out to see the different culture and actually living there for an extended time really changed many perspectives I previously had and enhanced my ability to accept other cultures however I think the rigorous academic schedule this program had did not allow for me to have the full Study Abroad Experience. Although academics are important, we did not spend time outside the classroom learning in the city but rather had to spend several hours a day studying indoors or reading for class which seems to be something we could have done for much cheaper at home. I feel like the expensive price of the program for a short time did not really pay off because we lost a great deal of time exploring London because we were studying.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was a lot to handle in an abroad setting especially for how many hours we were in class and how limited our stay in London was. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in dorm style housing with other TCU students. The housing was okay except the internet would frequently be out for hours at a time and we provided our own toilet paper, trashbags, etc. |
| * Food: |
There were many restaurants on almost every corner very much affordable and several grocery stores within walking distance. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Attending Shakespear's Globe Theatre and visiting Paris for a day although it was poorly planned. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was very safe feeling but being out at night isn't very advisable, healthcare I never experienced seeking. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | For this particular program, with nothing in regards to the actual city of study because it was truly amazing, I would not suggest taking the two offered classes at once. There really was little balance to be had between spending up to five hours a day in addition to class, completing assignments and this prohibited time out adventuring and learning about the city of study. |
