Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mary-Kate and Ashley Wish They Had More Fun Than Me Past Review

By (Comparative Literature, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 04/18/2015 with

IES Abroad: London - Study London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from my time abroad that it is hard to condense the experience into words. I learned about myself and my ability to adjust to new and challenging situations. I discovered how rewarding it can be to completely leave your preconceptions of yourself and others behind so that you can find common ground and interesting differences with anyone. I found a strength and faith in myself to get myself into and out of any situation that might arise, and to have fun in places I might have otherwise never expected. I met people who I grew to dearly love and who helped shaped my experience into the best semester I have had. It was the definition of worthwhile, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: London - Study London Photo IES Abroad: London - Study London Photo IES Abroad: London - Study London Photo IES Abroad: London - Study London Photo IES Abroad: London - Study London Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some classes were challenging, and we had to adjust to a slightly different classroom decorum, but overall, the classes took a back seat to the learning experience inherent in studying in a foreign country, and the program seemed to understand that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administrators were very friendly and helpful. They really facilitated a support system for us which is so important when you are out of your comfort zone.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There was no meal plan involved in this program, which was good in that it forced us to go out and enjoy the amazing restaurants that London has to offer. Unfortunately, it could get a bit pricey.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go the the emergency room while I was abroad, and the program was quick to respond with someone to assist me. One of the onsite administrators went with me to the hospital, and each administrator was concerned with following up with me. The Healthcare in London was quick and efficient. I left the emergency room after a series of tests with no bill.

* Safety:

Like any big city there are certain things to take into consideration, like not traveling alone at night, and keeping an eye on your belongings, but on the whole I felt incredibly safe in London.

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)

London is a very expensive city, and that should be taking into account. With scholarships and a little financial planning it shouldn't be too bad, and the city itself is worth it.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy your own groceries, and buy small amounts of food at a time. The museums and markets are free so they are always a fun thing to do on the 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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I studied with
  • The freedom that the program allowed
  • the city itself
* What could be improved?
  • more integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? there wouldn't be much integration with local students

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.