Does anyone have any experience with the ND Summer Study Abroad programs? My D will be attending one this summer as a rising sophomore. I see that they are very condensed (6 credits in 5/6 weeks or 3 credits in 3 weeks). I was wondering what the work level is really like when you’re there – is it manageable or very stressful? Also, for the study abroad experience in general, how did you feel about security? Were you happy with how ND took care of them from that standpoint while they were abroad? I know that they are adults, and I imagine ND takes care of its own. Just a little anxious since this is our first in college so we have no experience with this. If there are any students who went who have a minute to comment, that would be particularly great. Any feedback would be much appreciated. TIA
Good question. I am interested because I also have a daughter, rising sophomore attending ND’s London program this summer. We too are a bit anxious, but I can honestly say that of all the college tours & accepted student days we attended that highlighted their study abroad programs (and they all did) ND was the ONLY school who spoke of their risk management team in place for their study abroad programs. I too think that ND takes very good care of our children.
I cannot speak about a Summer program, but my son did spend a (regular) semester in London and I can state that the Notre Dame students are safe there. Notre Dame a few years ago purchased a former hospital located on the south side of the Thames River at the foot of Waterloo Bridge and converted it into a dorm. I visited my son in London and typical Notre Dame the facilities there are top notch, with a full time guard sitting the the lobby 24 hours a day. The class room building is a 15 minute walk away, on the edge of Trafaglar Square and the National Gallery museum, a very safe area. There is also a 24 hour guard located in the lobby of the class room building, which was formerly a private club.
My daughter is currently a junior at Notre Dame. She spent 6 weeks last summer studying in London and loved it. ND takes good care of their students. The flat and class rooms are guarded. They were close to an attack on the bridge, but were accounted for quickly and safe. I would not worry. Your student will be in good hands and will have an experience that they will not forget.