Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There are not enough words to tell how amazing it was. Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, 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 gained a sense of myself that I didn't know was there. There is something so raw about being practically on your own in a foreign country and having the freedom to basically do whatever you want. I met people and experienced things that have forever shaped me into the person I am today.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

IES was challenging but I learned a ton, and still had plenty of time to travel, see London, and have fun.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES was wonderful and pretty much helped out with any needs or concerns we had. Didn't matter what time of day or night.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nido was great, awesome location. The only issue was certain aspects of security.

* Food:

British cuisine isn't really that bad!!!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Met people that I still talk to today, had so many new experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IES did an amazing job of making us feel safe and satisfied if we needed medical attention. Luckily, I never did. However, I had several friends who had issues and they were taken care of quickly and carefully.

* Safety:

London is a big city, and you have to be responsible. I did get pick pocketed, but only once and it never happened again after that.

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 ridiculously expensive. I would say a 2, honestly it was very easy to spend money and not even realize how much you had gone through. I would recommend bringing over what they suggest.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Varied, probably anywhere from 150-300.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out, bring snacks and packed lunches to class. If you're really concerned don't travel a ton.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Location
  • Classes
  • Life in London
* What could be improved?
  • Outside courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how expensive London REALLY is.

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.