London: The Most Expensive and Most Rewarding Summer of my Life Past Review
By Ella R (Sociology, Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: London - Study London
The UK may seem very similar to the US but there are so many cultural differences that I never predicted. I was exposed to so many new things and it opened my eyes in so many ways.
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 workload was not too intense and it was all relevant and interesting. It allowed students plenty of free time to explore London and Europe, but still felt like we were learning something. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The size of the program was great and they offered tons of services. My only complaint would be the orientation week or so was a bit tedious and some of the activities felt unnecessary. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was very safe, although incredibly expensive. Rooms are tiny. I mean really tiny. But it's London and specifically Chelsea, so it's all about the cost. |
| * Food: |
Food in the UK would not be my favorite part of my experience. However, there are certainly exceptions to the rule. Indian food on Brick Lane is incredible. It's also very expensive to eat out so cooking is definitely necessary. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips were always fun and London has such a rich and diverse culture that I felt like I was experiencing something new and exciting everyday. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I never had health issues but it seemed like our program took care of it right way. Safety was great. We were in a very safe neighborhood and the building had a security guard 24/7/ |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It all depends on the person, but eating out once or twice a day, weekly visits to the grocery store, and if you plan on going to clubs or pubs at all- it was probably somewhere around $200 dollars a week. But I'm sure others could cut back on the spending. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving now! and eat in as much as possible. and look for deals and coupons. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 |
|
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? | If you want to have a blast in one the world's most diverse cities, look no further! |
