Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A trip full of beauty, charm, and adventure. March 28, 2022

By (Global Cultural Studies, Point Park University) - abroad from 09/06/2021 to 12/19/2021 with

IES Abroad: London - Study London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned from my experience that the world is big, but not as big as we think, so it is important to get to see and travel as much as possible. My experience abroad also allowed me to personally grow and push myself outside of my comfort zone.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Different learning tactics, but extremely enjoyable

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always available when needed

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very clean, safe, and welcoming

* Food:

The food was great, but I personally am a bit of a picky eater (I do not like fish!)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like London did become my home away from home

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

With this program happening during Covid, healthcare was easily accessible and easy to manage, if needed

* Safety:

Safety was always a priority

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Since this was my first time outside of the United States, England is a great transition to European culture, but without too many cultural shocks leaving you lost.

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)

I was surprised at how well I managed my money while abroad, it is manageable while also getting to experience a lot

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150/200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Utilize the kitchen in your housing. I know it is hard to not try a new restaurant every day, but it will be a great learning experience for independent cooking as well. Plan day trips to locations if you can instead of overnight trips, this will help you save as well.

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
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The planned trips hosted by IES
  • The organization of courses
  • The location of my housing!
* What could be improved?
  • When oyster cards became available
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What I know now is that I am capable of adapting to a new home 3,000 miles away from my real home, and to give myself more credit.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.