Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing, but Stressful at Times Past Review

By (Chemistry & Art History, Trinity University) - abroad from 10/03/2012 to 12/12/2012 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Courtauld Institute of Art

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and how I react when I am by myself, so that was good.

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.

I attended the Courtauld Institute of Art Direct Enrollment Program in London. I felt that this program was extremely rigorous, even more so than my time at Trinity. There was a lot of independent work, and essays were expected to be done in relatively short amounts of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really enjoyed going through IES because they set up housing for me, which was nice not to have to worry about, and because they organized a lot of day and weekend trips that I probably wouldn't have done if they had not been organized for me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enojoyed living in an apartment, especially because I had my own room. However, the apartment didn't have an oven, and the stovetop was not the best, which made cooking difficult. However, the location of the building (near Liverpool Street Station) was amazing because there were always people around.

* Food:

I lived right next to Brick Lane, where there is amazing Indian food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any healthcare issues, but knew people who did. IES was very good about making my friend feel supported.

* Safety:

Most of the time I felt EXTREMELY safe in London. Those few times that I did not was because I was in areas I probably shouldn't have been in late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 VERY expensive and I found it very difficult to stick to a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home as much as possible

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Support
* What could be improved?
  • Housing (Oven)
  • More scheduled trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How difficult exactly my program was going to be.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!