Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience in London! Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 09/06/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

IES Abroad: London & Oxford - Health Practice & Policy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned independence as well as new perspectives on different issues that I have been learning about at my home school. It was 100% worthwhile and I would recommend studying abroad to everyone.

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.

If you have the opportunity, I would recommend taking the course at Oxford. I found it really improved both my writing and communication skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Definitely much smaller than typical American style dorms, but it did the job.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Before going to Jamaica I did get the typhoid vaccine and also got a prescription in case of upset stomachs in Jamaica-never had to use it. I also have an ongoing medical condition and had to receive care while in London and found the services there were really great and that the IES staff was extremely helpful.

* Safety:

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

This program was perfect for me. It aligned well with my academic goals and I learned so much.

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)

Living in London was very expensive! Save save save

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $250 American dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As soon as you get accepted start saving money, and work hard to earn as much as you can. Once you get abroad write down your expenses. That's a good way to see exactly what you are spending your money on, that way you can see where you can cut back. Make sure you are spending money on experiences instead of going out to eat!

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

  • 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?
  • Learning about health care from a different perspective
  • Traveling and gaining a new sense of independence
  • Meeting lifelong friends
* What could be improved?
  • More transition time between London and Jamaica
  • Have the Oxford class on a day other than Friday
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to say yes! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it's important to be able to immerse yourself fully in the experience and take advantage of everything that comes your way.

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!