Take Me Back! Past Review
By Hannah L (Journalism, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 04/18/2015 with
IES Abroad: London - Study London
Studying abroad makes you grow as a person. You're in a different country, living on your own and fending for yourself for the first time. You don't have mom and dad nearby to help you in emergencies. You become independent and adventurous because this is a once in a lifetime experience, and you don't want to miss out on anything. If I could do it again, I totally would.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much about British Culture through this program, but the classes were very demanding. You just have to stay on top of it in order to not flounder at the end of the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were awesome! They really got to know every person in my huge program, which was up to 120+ kids! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Nido Dorms at King's Cross was great. It was awesome to live with everyone in your program, and have school not that far of a walk. Plus, King's Cross/St. Pancras is the central hub for London transportation. We had access to all of the main tube lines, plus the international train station right down the street! |
| * Food: |
London is a cultural melting pot, so you could eat any type of food you were in the mood for. The way the dorm was set up is you had your own (tiny) fridge and cabinet, so you could cook for yourself when you wanted. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every person's experience is different, but I really didn't meet any locals which was slightly disappointing. Part of the Study London program is to take one class at a British university, but you're placed in classes with other American students, not British ones. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Everyone got a healthcare card to use. Though I never used it, friends who did had no problems. |
| * Safety: |
Again, every person's experience is different. I felt fairly safe in London. A lot of it is just not being stupid and always looking out for yourself and your friends, and keeping valuables safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
London is an expensive city to live in. Many people made budget plans to stick to, but I did not. I think for being in London I did a good job with my expenses, but that's because I'm very frugal. Bottom line: it is possible. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Information about international phones / SIM cards. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
