Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A culturally, academically, and socially satisfying London experience Past Review

By (Film And Television, Boston University) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 04/20/2013 with

IES Abroad: London - Study London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a fuller understanding of the world around me, great memories of London, adventures, and new friends. It was totally worth it.

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.

I took Passions and Repressions: Cinematic Representations of British Identity in British Cinema, Censored! What the British Could Not See, From Aphra Behn to the Blitz: 300 Years of Women's History, London Video Film Production Workshop, and the Modern British Novel. I found each class both academically and culturally engaging. The lessons involved field trips to relative museums, monuments, and exhibits. The professors were strong lecturers and the work flow was manageable given our busy schedules.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was approachable and seemed to care about each of the students personal experiences. Staff was readily available and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living at Nido Spitalfields. The location was fantastic. We were very close to Liverpool Street Station, a convenient and huge tube stop. Our neighborhood was near great markets, shops, pubs, and restaurants. Attractions such as the Tower of London and the Thames were walkable. The area was not touristy and it gave me a richer exposure to London life. Nido itself was clean and new. The dorms were just what I wanted and the roof had amazing views. Laundry was in residence as well as other fun amenities. I felt secure and safe. Students were mostly located at Nido so we could easily meet up and head out together.

* Food:

As a vegetarian, I found London pretty similar to cities like New York and Boston food wise. There were plenty of delicious options for me at restaurants/fast food places/markets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program has interns from the UK who organize events and answer questions. It's nice getting perspective from students close in age. We went on lots of field trips and excursions as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a bad burn while there and the staff helped me set up a doctor's appointment and take care of insurance.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. The city was well lit and the people were helpful whenever I got lost. Be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups, and mind your personal affects. It's like any big city.

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

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? $100+ just for groceries/expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be aware of the exchange rate and cook at home during the week so you can eat out guilt-free on weekends.

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?
  • Trips
  • Classes
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • More exposure to London students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program is strong and they've thought of everything--don't be too nervous.

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.