Once in a lifetime Past Review
By Jade (Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 04/13/2017 with
IES Abroad: London - Study London
I came home with an incredible, newfound level of independence and confidence. I feel as though I can conquer anything I try now since I was able to 'take on' London.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were tailored to showcase to the students the city that they were living in, which was fantastic. The classes were a bit different than what I was used to taking at home, but they come with their own set of unique challenges. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES staff did an amazing job coordinating classes and trips for the students. They were very supportive and helpful as well with all questions asked by students! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Chapter Kings Cross was fantastic. In a prime location just a block from Kings Cross made for a unique, lively lifestyle. |
| * Food: |
There was a variety of grocery stores and restaurants all over London, so you never went hungry! My housing had a community kitchen on each floor, so my floor-mates and I shared a lot of meals together. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I ended up seeing a doctor once while abroad. IES helped with submitting insurance information and getting the appointment set up for the same day. |
| * Safety: |
Regardless of the notorious pick-pocketers and the terror attack that happened while I was abroad this past spring, London's police and the IES staff went above and beyond to make sure we felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved everything this program had to offer. Each day I was so excited to wake up and take on the day and what it had to offer. |
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) |
Living in a city is more expensive in general, but I found it quite reasonable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Limit your meals out and save money by cooking. If you do spend money on something, like a meal or activity, be sure it is a worthwhile experience. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I didn't need to pack as much as I did. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
