London is amazing, diverse, and full of so many fun activities Past Review

By (Agnes Scott College) - abroad from 06/06/2016 to 07/22/2016 with

IES Abroad: London - UK Today Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel completely independently and had the chance to deeply explore one of the most important cities in our world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Be warned! No A/C! It's usually fine but we had some hot days that were unbearable to be in the rooms.

* Food:

London is super expensive, but we eventually found quite a few really good places that were also pretty cheap. Don't eat at pubs, so not worth it!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

London is super safe, you just have to be aware of theft and pickpocketing

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)

As I said, London is SUPER expensive! Be prepared!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk more than take the bus, and alcohol and other drinks are very expensive, so it's best to just have water.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The professors
  • Visiting museums and other places in the city
  • Going on field trips
* What could be improved?
  • The academic rigor
  • providing more opportunities for foreign students to meet local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be bold and don't be afraid to go do something by yourself if it's something you want to do! Also, don't fall into any traps in regards to food.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'