Changed my Whole Perspective on Life Past Review
By Chloe B (Accounting, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/08/2015 to 07/25/2015 with
IES Abroad: London - Study London
I learned that some of the best things in life are not materialistic and that there is something to be said about the friendships you make while exploring the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While the coursework itself was not very difficult, the professors were extremely well educated and could answer questions on a variety of subjects, not just the one they were teaching. These professors were friendly, understanding, and most of all had a passion for teaching their subjects and sharing British culture with their student. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrative faculty were indispensable in helping me adjust to British culture, organizing program trips, and facilitating communication between professors and I. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While extremely nice, the student residences at King's Cross were expensive to say the least. However, their location is just 5 minutes away from one of the largest subway/train stations in all of England and was a great resource for travelling all over Europe. |
| * Food: |
I'm a vegetarian and gained about 15 pounds on my trip. Don't worry, there is something for everyone to eat and you will have no trouble finding something extremely delicious within walking distance of the dorms. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our administrative staff gave us tips and tricks so that we could fall right into pace with the London crowd. I felt adjusted to the culture within a few days! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never used the healthcare provided to us, but I know that it was inaccessible on the weekends. |
| * Safety: |
No city is without crime, but I can say that my girlfriends and I traveled the city streets way past two in the morning and were never uncomfortable. Of course, always travel in groups, avoid dark, empty streets at night, and always know how to get to your destination without having to check your phone for directions. |
| 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 has such a high cost of living, be prepared to pay quite a bit for quality restaurants, shopping, and activities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $150, give or take, and $400 if I went on a weekend trip |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of the Tesco meal deals! The sandwiches are delicious, fresh, and super cheap with chips and a drink included. Always check airlines like EasyJet for incredibly cheap flights, and Hostelworld.com for questionable but cheap sleeping arrangements. Don't be afraid to get dirty if you want to save your money! |
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? |
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? | You will want to move to London if you choose this study abroad program. I'm already looking for ways to go back! |
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. |
