Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience that will always effect how I see the world. Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/02/2016 to 05/13/2017 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Queen Mary

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain a sense of independence and confidence that I didn't have before.

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 loved the experience, but wish that the program would have been a little more hands on with us. After the first day I didn't see anyone involving IES again.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Queen Mary was very helpful with my transition. However, there was a huge difference in the education system and I didn't always feel like I knew what to do.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED MY HOUSING!! It was super nice and allowed me to have my privacy while still getting to know the locals.

* Food:

The food was super good! but i had some issues transitioning to no longer having a meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After the first week, there wasn't as many opportunities to explore with others, so it became much more independently based.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with trying to get my medicine while I was there, and my birth control was free!!!

* Safety:

I felt safe when I was in my dorm, but there wasn't as much security when I went outside later in the evening.

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)

It was definitely doable with by budget, however by the end I was down to my last couple hundred.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $2800
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and save as much of her own personal money to have in savings if you start to get low.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The country spoke my native language.

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
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?
  • Independence
  • The Students
  • The accommodations.
* What could be improved?
  • Involvement with students.
  • Help with budgeting tips.
  • Show them the local area more.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack toiletries!!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.