I Left My Heart in London! Past Review
By Kyle Viti (Wagner College) - abroad from 01/02/2019 to 04/13/2019 with
IES Abroad: London - Study London
I gained an expanded global perspective that one can only gain if they spend an extended amount of time abroad. My courses were engaging, interesting, and taught by individuals that are so passionate and knowledgeable. I was also able to see so many beautiful, meaningful, and culturally significant cuties and landmarks. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was not expecting to enjoy the classes I took as much as I did, but I swiftly fell in love with the curriculum and educators. Among my courses, two that stood out were British Youth Culture with Richard Weight and Architecture of London with Jon Wright. These two educators are incredibly intuitive, experienced, and above all caring. I am pleased to say that my academic performance was one of my best during my time abroad. I felt challenged, but embraced by all of the educators and staff at IES London. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration was composed of some of the most caring and attentive people I have met to date. I am so grateful for the moments I shared with the IES London administration and staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing, located in King’s Cross allowed for ease of travel to other parts of Europe, leading me to travel to 17 cities in 7 countries. As for the facilities, as in any city, the rooms were small; however, I enjoyed the opportunity to have my own bathroom and have access to a kitchen. I lived with my roommate from my home school and had such an incredible time! |
| * Food: |
For my program we were given access to a kitchen to share with other students and make our own food. I absolutely loved being in control of what I was eating! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture, having traveled to many of the neighborhoods with my professors. This encouraged me to travel back to these places and continue to explore! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I thankfully was only sick once while abroad! The doctor recommended to me by my program was right near my housing and was accessible and affordable! |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in London and all the cities I traveled to during my abroad. IES did a fantastic job making sure students were alert and aware of what was occurring if we were in cities within or outside the UK! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I absolutely would. IES Abroad provides me with everything I was looking for: ease of travel, great academics, independence, courses taught by individuals actively participating in their respective fields. All the boxes were checked off for me and I encourage you to discover that for yourself! |
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) |
My personal expenses stayed between $100-$200 while in London. I was able to budget each week with a strict budget for food and personal items. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try and keep the food you consume under $100 per week! |
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? | I wish I had known that I would’ve loved London as much as I did beforehand, so I could have spent more time there! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
