Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Awesomely Expensive Semester in London Past Review

By (History/English, Providence College) for

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life thus far. I learned a lot about myself and my ability to be completely independent, and I also learned a lot about the world and how sheltered we are at PC.

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 more than at home, but you didn't have to do it all, it was just suggested. I was only graded on two assignments for each class for the whole semester, participation had no effect on grades.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were incredibly helpful in prepping me for the cultural difference and what to expect as far as the differences in educational methods. They were really easy to contact as well. They definitely exceeded my expectations.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was in the ideal location, really close to everything and right in the center of London. The only problem was that the rooms are all singles and they are very separated from each other, so I did not really have a chance to meet anyone that lived in my building. It was very secluded. I also had to buy everything, including all bedding and all kitchenware.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt endangered. I think I felt safer there then here.

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)

London was incredibly expensive, and even though I rarely went out to eat, I still found myself spending a lot of money on food and going out.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to go out to eat as little as possible, you save a lot of money if you buy grocerys instead.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 program did a wonderful job acclimating us to the culture.
  • The trips that the program took us on were fun and a great way to talk to other people in the same situation as you.
  • The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation was really short and they kind of just threw us into our dorms without a lot of information about where to get bedding and food and other necessities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that all my friends here are still here, so I wish I tried to connect more with people I met there and worried less about updating my friends from home so much.