Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London Changed Me Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 06/27/2012 with

Utah Valley University: London - Literature and Theater

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained a better understanding of people while living a dream of mine. I'll never forget the sights I saw or the people I saw them with. I came home a better person. A stronger person. And I love that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As a English Lit Student, my experience was full of, not only studying the literature, but understanding the culture and the experience of literature through theatre. I absolutely loved it. I felt like I never stopped learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved our directors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great. I liked the location and the room assignments. I just hated all those stairs!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I could live in London. I feel like by the 3rd and 4th weeks, I was comfortable navigating the city and interacting with people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never need any heath care, but it was a huge comfort knowing it could've been taken care if in case of an accident.

* Safety:

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)

I definitely spent more than I'd hoped to. But it was worth it for the experience.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around 200.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare for the exchange rate.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The students I was with and the lifelong memories we made.
  • The shows we attended.
  • The side trips to Brighton, Oxford, Scotland and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
* What could be improved?
  • Less homework. (Everyone probably always says that)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's easier to get around and adventure in smaller groups. Asking the directors for cool places to visit is a good idea. Don't spend too much time talking to people at home or facebooking- it's too beautiful of a city!