Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I was fortunate to have as little interaction with IES as possible. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., University of Tennessee - Knoxville) - abroad from 05/31/2013 to 07/26/2013 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most of what I learned was in spite of the IES program. I had an excellent time in London, but I should've figured out a way to do that without spending thousands of dollars on the IES program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class I took alongside my internship was absolutely terrible. Poorly organized and not at all challenging or intellectually stimulating. I was shocked that this was considered to be at college level.

* 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?

The IES program isolates Americans in one group so its hard to go out and meet locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

London is extremely safe. I never felt worried going out by myself 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • London
* What could be improved?
  • The class was terrible
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO NOT PAY FOR IES

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!