Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful summer packed with fun, exploring, laughter and creativity. June 25, 2021

By (Universidad de Monterrey / UDEM) - abroad from 07/01/2019 to 07/19/2019 with

University of the Arts London - Summer Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so very much worth it, every single day. I learned take time to observe my surroundings and then being able to use that for a creative output... I also learned about truly constructive feedback, having a healthy learning environment, exploring and enjoying the process of creating new things and ideas.

Review Photos

University of the Arts London - Summer Study Abroad Photo University of the Arts London - Summer Study Abroad Photo University of the Arts London - Summer Study Abroad Photo University of the Arts London - Summer Study Abroad Photo University of the Arts London - Summer Study Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent professors, great learning environment, friendly classmates. Really loved it all.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was very respectful, friendly, polite and welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with healthcare during my stay, but a classmate did, she seemed like she got the assistance she needed.

* Safety:

I felt really safe

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

Yes and no, I loved the program I was in, but at the final show I was also intrigued by the other programs because of what they had achieved at the end... everything was amazing! Everyone's work reflected having a lot of fun expressing themselves and experimenting with new materials, ideas and approaches.

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)

London is quite an expensive city, but if you're on a budget I believe it's possible to live on a student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 200 or 250 pounds only on food and public transport
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? What I sometimes do is divide my budget into the days I'll be there so there's always a designated amount of money for that specific day. I also take into account if it's a friday, saturday or sunday (extra activities, extra money).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We only spoke english, it was very fun.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Not sure what to base the level on, sorry.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Incorporate the language into your daily routine...Read, watch TV, listen to Podcasts, make friends and practice every day. Getting lost in translation can be frustrating, but don't give up, it's quite rewarding in the end.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The people
  • The teachers
* What could be improved?
  • To me, it was perfect
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it's important to take lots of pictures of the process of the work you do and also the end products. And ask lots of questions, the teachers have so much experience and knowledge, and they are so willing to share!