An Unforgettable Life Changing Experience Past Review
By A student (Hope College) - abroad from 01/05/2016 to 04/16/2016 with
IES Abroad: London - Study London
I gained so much more than I will ever fathom from this study abroad experience. I learned things like time and stress management, budgeting tips, how to navigate in unfamiliar places, and more. But I also learned more about who I am and the type of person I want to be. Any chance you get to study abroad - DO IT.
Review Photos
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. |
I'm used to a small, private school college education which always challenges me and keeps me busy with homework and assignments all the time. The learning style was different in London with only a few projects and midterms and finals. Not necessarily worse or better, just not as intense. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
There was no meal plan option for our residence, but the food in London is diverse and delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Even in light of attacks that were happening all over the world, I still felt safe because of the steps our program took in emergency situations. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I wouldn't choose the same program again purely because my love for London has caused me to want to travel the world and see so much more! London was a great first time experience, but if I were to do it again I think I would want to practice another language and go to a place with less Americans. But I loved this as my first time abroad! |
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 one of the most expensive places to live. I definitely should have budgeted better. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approx $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep track of how much you're spending and what you're spending it on. Grocery shop and eat in more than going out. Split dessert with your friends or only go out on weekends. Have a backup money source and remember to save for things like daily travel. Find the balance between "being on vacation and treating yourself" and "I live here long term and need to save 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? | That an Oyster card and travel pass is expensive and if you want to go far in the city every day you should plan on spending money on daily travel. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
