Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in London - The Best Four Months of my Life! Past Review

By (Broadcast Journalism., Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 04/16/2014 with

IES Abroad: London - Study London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that sometimes in order to learn, you need to burst out of your comfort zone and explore independently. You can't be afraid of going across the world by yourself because everyone is in the same exact boat as you, sailing away to the most amazing experience of their lives. It was 100% worthwhile!!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: London - IES Abroad London Center Photo IES Abroad: London - IES Abroad London Center Photo IES Abroad: London - IES Abroad London Center Photo IES Abroad: London - IES Abroad London Center Photo IES Abroad: London - IES Abroad London Center Photo

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.

* 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

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? $80.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would definitely recommend that you work the summer before studying abroad and up until you leave and save up everything you can. It's nice to not have to limit yourself while having the experience of a lifetime.

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?
  • The field trips provided by IES.
  • The CORE group meetings provided by IES to help with transitioning into the country.
  • Having Fridays off to travel or explore.
* What could be improved?
  • More clearly written syllabi.
  • More copies of textbooks in the IES Library or put them online.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the professors come from top-tier universities around England and that they grade you to very high standards.

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.