API Study Abroad at the University of Westminster

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I hope it will save at least one person from future, unforgivable damage. I went to the API program in London this past Spring and it was everything but safe and fun. I was in a co-ed flat with two guys and three girls. I ended up being raped by one of the guys. When I opened up to the program to let them know that I felt unsafe and traumatized, they didn’t care about what was best for me, a victim of rape, they only cared about what was best for their program. The only thing they did right was move him out of my flat, which was a given anyways. Other than that they said and did things that have haunted me everyday since. They moved him to another flat in the complex with a shared gym, lobby, and laundry room. Since we were living in the same complex I feared everyday that I would see him. I never wanted to leave my room and when I did do simple things, such as, laundry, I had to always have someone to accompany me. Things that they said were “we have to think about his mental health too, he’s very distraught from this.” This was devastating as they were acknowledging his “mental damage” for getting caught, but not mine of having my life ruined. I’m not trying to be dramatic when I say that. I get sharp flashbacks everyday of the situation to the point that I can’t function and uncontrollably cry. This happened 5 months ago and it will be something that will stick with me for my whole entire life. Their lack of empathy and action towards the situation was repulsing. They covered all of their bases to make sure that they weren’t legally in the wrong, but they were. They kept him in the program and verbally invalidated my experience so much that I questioned the goodness of the world. I was supposed to have a positive life changing experience as I was abroad. However, I can only say that my experience was negatively life changing. They said so many invalidating responses to me that I have tried to block them out of my mind as they were so damaging to my mental health. Every now and then their statements will creep back in and I will regress from my mental progress. I never went to the police because I thought “if this program doesn’t believe me because of the lack of evidence then why would the police?” I want people to be aware that their code of conduct does not line up with their actions. I suggest that if you want to feel safe, find another program, or at the very least, do not agree to a co-ed dorm.

Even after 8 years, studying abroad is still probably one of my favorite experiences in life. Not only did I make great friends, but I was able to see and experience London. One of my favorite aspects was when I started to feel like a local. Even at the end, you’re excited to go home, but you will miss the place you’ve called home for the last few weeks or months. It is something you must experience to really understand. For me, I knew I wanted to study abroad when I got to college. One of the best pieces of advice is to plan ahead, it makes it a lot easier. From applying to cost, knowing your timeline will keep you ahead of things. There are so many options when it comes to studying abroad and for me, going abroad with API was a great option. It was my first time abroad and my mom appreciated the support API provided. I was able to be independent but know someone was still there in case I needed something. Not only do you get information before and after your trip, but there are people physically there with you. I also really enjoyed our API group. We had some arranged outings like the Olympic Walking Tour (prior to the Summer 2012 Olympics), which gave us a chance to get to know each other so you never felt alone. 8 years later and I still talk to many of them. The London summer program at the University of Westminster turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected. They designed an international summer school, so you can meet students from all over the world. One of the best parts was the arranged rips, which made it easy to see a ton of stuff without having to plan it myself. That said, there is still plenty of time after class to explore London. Class was a few hours in the morning and then you had the rest of the day. There was still some homework involved, but it was manageable. I feel like I still learned a lot in class, but the teachers and school understand why you’re there. Some of my favorite memories were my trip to Wimbledon, visiting cathedrals, Big Pit Coal Mine in Wales, and the numerous museums you can visit. There is so much to do and see in London, you will never be bored! If you are even considering studying abroad in London, go for it! You won't regret it. And API helped provide an amazing experience and I would highly recommend them if you plan to study abroad in London or anywhere.

API London was a great program! I learned and explored so much during my time abroad and I could have done it without the help of the API London Staff. They were helpful before, during, and after my study abroad time. I loved the different excursions they took us on. Each one was unique and many of them were places I never would have known existed without their guidance. The encouraged us to explore on our own as well. Both of my program leaders were great and knowledgeable about the places we were going and even for giving tips of other places we should check out. I have recommended not only this program but API in general to other friends who agree that they provided the best experience and support for a study abroad student. If I had to do it over again (which I wish I could), I would choose API again.

Studying in London was absolutely incredible. Living there is different from just visiting, but through the programs outings, meet-ups and support we were able to still go out and see all the things we really wanted to. I had an internship during this time, so I was able to get real-world experience while taking classes. I wasn't just visiting, I was living it. The support that API gave prepared me and eased me into the process so that I felt confident doing things throughout my time there. It also was a great way to have pre-planned trips so I didn't miss out on anything.

I studied abroad at the University of Westminster in London the summer of 2010. The experience was three weeks in a class called Literary London. I came to the study abroad feeling nervous about traveling alone, I didn't know anyone else in the program, and this was only my second time outside of the country. My short three weeks in London pushed me outside of my comfort zone, gave me independence, and taught me so much about literature and myself. I made some amazing friends I would have otherwise never met, or bonded so closely with. There is something about being out of your comfort zone that pushes you toward each other and helps you connect in a way that is so special. There were several programs studying at University of Westminster. (It is important to note that Londoners do not attend school in the summer, it was all students studying abroad. Mostly American but I met people from Russia, Asia, etc. So if you are looking to make friends with natives it's difficult to do in summer programs. Not impossible, but harder. The summer is a different experience for sure.) Being there as an API student made all the difference. As an API student I attended the school field trips to spectacular places with all of the other students at Westminster. But I also took SEVERAL extra field trips and activities with the API students and my API mentor. I got so much more out of my trip because I had the opportunity to do so much more....for FREE. (Well of course it's in the cost of your tuition.) I had support available to me 24/7 from my API mentor. Not that I needed it. I felt completely safe, and this is important to note coming from me. I am a perpetually nervous person. I had no concerns whatsoever being in the major city of London. I loved it! I was a tube ride away from school each morning, and the location was so close to all of the major shopping and city life of London. There was so much to do! I went out almost every night with friends, and had a blast enjoying all of the diverse foods available and the exciting adventures in the city. Now don't let that fool you. The course work is challenging! I took the class Literary London, which involved reading novels set in the city and taking field trips to the locations in the novels. What I appreciated most about the program is that my teacher would take us on field trips, buy the class cups of coffee and talk to us about our experiences and share her own. It was a small class in the summer and we got to know each other very well. It really helped in the learning process. You should keep in mind that grading is different in England and their expectations are much higher. I came to England with a 3.89 GPA and I really had to work to make an English B. (Which does get changed when you come home. I received an official A on my transcript.)But the best difference was that the final paper was due after the class was finished. I wrote my paper on the plane ride home. So I still had the freedom to go out and experience the city while I was there. I really appreciated that. My time in London gave me independence, I am no longer nervous to travel abroad by myself, I have the confidence that I can make my way in difficult situations. I made amazing friends. You may be nervous if you don't know anyone, but remember everyone is in that same boat. You tend to gravitate to each other. Making friends just isn't an issue, and when you do the bond is for life. I may not talk to them or see them everyday. But we will always have London. The class was challenging and pushed me to work harder than I ever have in normal class...but nothing compares to being in the city where your novels are set. London is a magical city with history steeped in every pore. You can walk the streets and picture people over the past few hundred years doing the same. Going through API I had the opportunity to do more and see the city, which after all was the main reason I was there.