Living in London September 08, 2022

By Abbie P (Accounting, University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 06/18/2022 to 07/31/2022 with

University of Westminster: London - Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned how to handle myself in a different country. This was my first time traveling alone, and my first time leaving the U.S. so it was scary at first. It is completely manageable and everyone should study abroad if they are able.

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.	Classes were a lot of fun, and very different from typical classes in the U.S.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	There was some difficulty because a staff member left, but good otherwise.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Very small dorm room, but it was private so very nice.
* Food:	I loved all of the local food in London. I highly recommend the local pub food!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I didn't get to do as many things as I originally wanted, but it was okay because we got to do some excursions to other really cool areas.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	It was super easy to find a drug store to grab the few things I did need, I never needed to see a doctor or anything.
* Safety:	It is a very busy city, so keep your wits about you. But, it was very safe. I was never scared or worried about anything, even when travelling by myself.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes It was so much fun and I loved everything I got to do. I am already counting down the time until I can go back.

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)	It really just depends on how you live. It can differ for everyone, but London can be fairly pricey on some things.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Buying meal deals at the grocery store can help to save money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

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	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
* 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?	Classes Day Trips Food
* What could be improved?	Helping students connect Assistance with public transit if needed Help with accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Be open to new places, ideas, and backgrounds the world does not revolve around our country or function the same way ours does.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Jack the Ripper's London: Myth, Reality, and the London Victorian Metropolis
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Chelsey Mordue
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was so much fun. We got to explore London on a walking trip to see the areas that were important for the Jack the Ripper history. There was a paper at the end of the course, and in class assignments. Our professor was very prepared and knowledgeable .
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues transferring.

Course Name/Rating:	Crime and the London Underworld
Course Department:	Criminology
Instructor:	Sinem Bozkurt
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I loved this class. Our professor was so sweet and so much fun, and we got to do field walks that were important to the gangsters we were learning about from the 1960's.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues.