Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Greatest Experience October 03, 2024

By (English, University of Tennessee - Knoxville) - abroad from 01/22/2024 to 04/20/2024 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My travel bug has definitely gotten larger after studying abroad. I love being immersed in different cultures and experiencing new places, so I feel I gained a new appreciation for these other countries. Although I held appreciation before abroad, it feels much more amplified now that I have seen some of these incredible places in person.

Review Photos

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?

* 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

I felt IES was very sufficient in making sure we were prepared to go abroad. My city was great, the staff was so kind, and the other students in the program became some of my best friends.

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? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're planning on traveling while studying abroad, save up well in advance. Although travel is much cheaper, it's important to have some extra money in case of emergencies.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Guidance in the city
  • Opportunities for travel
  • Friendly students
* What could be improved?
  • Class selection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In my situation, I wish I had known most people in my program would be from the same school. I felt very isolated at first with people who all knew each other, but it all worked out in the end, and I actually wouldn't change a thing about my experience.

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.