Amazing Independent Adventure at the London College of Fashion Past Review

By (Fashion Design, University of Wisconsin - Madison) for

University of the Arts London - Integrated Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience in London just made me love Europe all the more. I've always gained great inspiration from Europe and it's history and culture, and I got to experience it so much more studying there. The museums and sights are endless! It helped reassure me that Fashion was a good route for me to take in life as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It is a very easy-going abroad experience. However much you put in, that's how much you'll get out.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the staff was extremely helpful and understanding. The class sizes are perfect as well. You really get to know everybody in the program. Unfortunately you don't really get to interact with any other their permanent students though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first they provided us with ONE mini fridge for 5 people, but when requested we received an extra. It wasn't a five star place, but livable for the amount of time you are there. There is a 24 hour staff in the lobby so it felt safe. You also get a cleaning service once a week.

* Food:

You are responsible for your own meals and food. It is hard to have to shop for just yourself, and food tends to go bad more quickly than it does in the states. You probably spend more money than you would at home as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You can't pass up the opportunity to study in Europe! Just the opportunity to live in a new country is amazing, but then it's so easy to travel to different countries while you are there as well. The London College of Fashion also did a really good job of including courses for everyone in the program that highlighted London and it's culture and history.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

During orientation you were given all the information you needed in case you got sick or injured during your stay. I never felt unsafe while at school or any of activities.

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

You have an option to take French. I would not recommend it. You only have the class once a week, and the programs only like 10 weeks long so it is not a very good way to try to learn a language.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are a fashion or textile student and your university doesn't have its own program to study abroad I definitely encourage you to apply on your own to the London College of Fashion! I was able to work with my school to still get transfer credits, and LCF is a great place to study in Europe! You still get to speak english, and the classes are flexible enough that you can focus on school yet still have non-academic fun!