Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Dream Come True Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 06/11/2016 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live in another country and go to school at a large university that functioned under a different system. I learned how to make a huge city feel like home. I became more independent, confident, and self-reliant. My cultural competence improved so much, and I became even more curious to learn about other cultures. It was absolutely a worthwhile experience and one that I would recommend to anyone.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - University College London Photo IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - University College London Photo IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - University College London Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

The only drawback was that I was living in a flat with only other Americans. I would have preferred living with British students.

* Food:

London has food from all around the world, which led to SO many amazing meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like a true Londoner now!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The IES staff helped me find a doctor's office nearby where I could receive allergy shots on a regular basis. Their on-duty emergency staffer was also incredibly helpful when I had a medical emergency. It made the hospital experience less stressful to have someone there who understood the NHS. She stayed with me the whole time I was there, and other staff members checked up on me in the following days. I felt very cared for and was so grateful for their presence.

* Safety:

Every city has rough areas, but I always felt safe in London. Most times I was out at night, I was with at least one other person, so that helped me feel safer as well. You needed two different keys to enter our flat, so security there was excellent.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

IES made sure everything went smoothly. It was reassuring to know there were people in London who were looking out for me should anything bad happen.

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 was definitely an expensive city, but there were always ways to cut the cost. Most museums are free, you could get cheap meals and snacks at the university cafes & at street markets, and you could buy tickets for West End theatrical productions from £5 - £20.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Typically £50 - £100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking for yourself can be cheaper at times. Prioritize what you want to spend money on, especially if you're going to splurge. And try to save up as much as you can before you go!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Direct enrollment at a top univeristy
  • Location in central London
  • IES field trips around England
* What could be improved?
  • Intentionally being placed in flats with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Join a club at the university!! You're more likely to become friends with local students there rather than in class.

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!