Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London at its Finest Past Review

By (Biology, University of Colorado - Denver) - abroad from 09/11/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Queen Mary

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a much better understanding of diversity and of how much a culture can benefit from being such an internationally-integrated city. I learned how to live and thrive on my own and how to make the best out of a short amount of time living in a city that was so wonderful.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: London - University of London Queen Mary Photo IES Abroad: London - University of London Queen Mary Photo IES Abroad: London - University of London Queen Mary Photo IES Abroad: London - University of London Queen Mary Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Explore all of your options for buying groceries near where you are living! Don't fall into a routine too quickly that involves shopping at the most convenient (which does not equal the cheapest) shops.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The 'direct enrollment' aspect
  • Living with other students
  • Getting to know students in my program before school started
* What could be improved?
  • Module options
  • Descriptions of the housing halls before we have the options to choose one on the housing form
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't need to bring so many clothes! Especially coats! Also, bring an extra bag that is completely empty so you have room to pack it full of everything you'll buy while you're there!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.