Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The BEST way to study Global Health Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 04/15/2017 with

IES Abroad: London & Oxford - Health Practice & Policy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the most valuable things I did for my public health education was studying abroad with IES Abroad's HPP program in London and Oxford. I learned about public health from a European perspective; What are the priorities for health promotion in the UK? What are the current initiatives? How did England's health stats of today develop? I gained a well-rounded knowledge on the public health policies in Europe. I gained experience in the field through a service learning course, which functioned like an internship in London. Lastly, this program gave me perspective on a completely different country: Jamaica. The last week of the program, we traveled to Kingston to study at the major nursing school there and shadow at three health clinics. These experiences were invaluable to my public health education.

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.

These courses were not overwhelming- I could still spend time exploring the city, making friends, trying new things. I did learn a lot about global health from a European perspective and I strongly value that aspect of my abroad experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The double rooms were tight but clean and well-kept. We had a shared kitchen on our floor and this is how I made my close friends. We cooked meals together! It was my first time to be responsible for my own meals, which was so exciting. Our housing was central and we could get to the Tube and train to travel quickly.

* Food:

I eat vegan and was accommodated for when IES Abroad provided food for us. Otherwise, London had amazing food. I did not find it much more expensive than the United States. I enjoyed cooking for myself and, of course, eating out. There were lots of options for eating out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not meet British students other than those in our course at the University of Oxford.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not take advantage of healthcare in England but my close friend who did had lots of support and help from IES Abroad staff when she needed medical assistance.

* Safety:

I felt fairly safe in London. I did not travel alone at night. There were was one terrorist attack while I was in London and IES Abroad responded quickly to ensure student safety.

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

I loved my abroad program. I personally grew from the experience and it also provided me with new things to add to my resume. It was academically and personally worthwhile.

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)

If you cook your meals regularly, you can save a lot of money. I did this frequently and it helped keep my food costs down. Going out and drinking was very expensive. Restaurants could be either expensive or cheap, you just need to find the right places! In Jamaica, however, I only spent $100 for the entire week, all included.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check out Groupon and other student saving websites. I saved a lot of money on tickets by signing up as a student with the Royal Opera House. I saw a ballet for only fifteen pounds!

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The city of London
  • The service learning course
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication about the Jamaica excursion prior to leaving home.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes are with other American students. Meeting British students will require you to go out into the city and find them.

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!