The Best Summer I Ever Had! Past Review

By (Santa Clara University) - abroad from 07/02/2016 to 08/27/2016 with

The Intern Group: London Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I gain a handful of friendships that will last forever but I experienced a new culture and fell in love with it. I got to opportunity to work in the field I hope to ultimately go into and on top of that do it someplace I had never been, and get to know so many amazing people and experience so many new things.

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.

To me educational experience is so much more than academics. Intern London was not paired with any academic courses for me but I learnt so much about different cultures and through my internship that I feel that though in the traditional context this section is not relevant to my internship, it really is.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There aren't enough nice things that I could say about the programme administration of Intern London. From being accepted into the programme to being placed to all the events that we did while in London there was ALWAYS someone there for any and all questions, advice and simply someone to spend time with. Intern London did a superb job at placing me in an internship that was fitting for me and that I loved every step of the way. They helped me go through the tedious and sometimes confusing steps of getting a visa and while in London they provided a number of outstanding events to help us experience the most of the city and surrounding areas that we could.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing itself isn't amazing. It was university accommodations for me so it was a small room with a single, and relatively uncomfortable bed and typical dorm furniture. That being said, I was able to see where some interns who weren't only there for summer were staying, in flats with double beds and more space, and I much preferred my housing because it may not be the most spacious or comfortable but the university accommodations I was housed in were so central that it was incredibly easy to get most places. I didn't choose to intern abroad for the housing so I think that location was so much more important than hominess or comfort.

* Food:

The food in London is AMAZING. Intern London doesn't provide you with food excluding the occasional event but the day you move in they show you where the nearest groceries are and they give you tons of recommendations of where to eat. If you are ever unsure of where to go you are always able to text or facebook message Ariana, one of the programme directors and she will give you recommendations on places she loves! I couldn't have been more satisfied!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is one of the things that I think Intern London does best. They plan events approximately every weekend and sometimes more to give you the opportunity to experience not only the necessary tourist attractions London has to offer but the day to day cultural experiences available. For example along with the events to see a show and go on the London Eye there were also events taking us to parks all over the city, and a pub quiz night because you didn't stay in London if you didn't go to a pub quiz! I am exponentially grateful of the events that I went to that Intern London offered. Sometimes the best way to see a city isn't the well known spots but randomly wandering or going to places locals would go.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues well in London but I do know that Intern London ensures that we have sufficient insurance in the event of an issue and provides, at an extra expense, insurance for the summer through BUNAC if we do not have the right kind of coverage.

* Safety:

I was rarely worried while in London. Like all cities there is the obvious risk of petty theft so be aware and cautious with your phones/wallets/purses/bags and all that. In terms of anything greater I never felt unsafe. If you are going out at night, like clubbing or something like that, don't go alone but I don't say that because I personally experienced or witnessed or feared of any danger I say it simply because it is a good habit to have, no matter where you are.

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

Intern London is AMAZING at fulfilling all of my needs, and providing advice and events to go to! There was never a dull moment and I was always doing amazing things and having so much fun!

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)

My friends and I took turns making dinner and split the cost of groceries making everything exponentially cheaper.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100- including going out, and costs for events during the day.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make friends and take turns cooking with them!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • my internship
  • my fellow interns/friends
  • the events/places to go both sponsored and not sponsored
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't know what I wish I knew before I went but I wish I knew sooner in my time there to go to more of the events Intern London offered

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.'