London, we're not through! Past Review
By Mesa R (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2016 to 06/11/2016 with
IFSA: London - King's College London
I gained a new appreciation and respect for what living independently really means. London gave me the opportunity to figure out who I am away from everything in my comfort zone.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
One of the most difficult aspects of my abroad experience was adjusting the the UK system so quickly. Unlike my experience at Brandeis, there is very little work on a weekly basis to hold you accountable to the class. However, I found my classes at King's College engaging and interesting. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IFSA-Butler was an incredible resource. The team gave us enough independence to allow us to find our own way while always providing ample support and guidance when we sought it. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Stamford Street Apartments right in the heart of London. While the quality of the rooms wasn't incredible, the safety of the building and it's location more than made up for it. |
| * Food: |
We had no meal plan, which I enjoyed, but it was expensive. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While I had no health concerns while abroad, one of my flatmates from California was struck by a car and was extremely well cared for |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in London even out when out walking at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
IFSA-Butler and King's College worked together to provide an incredible abroad experience. |
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) |
It's all about just being conscious of how much money you're spending and making good choices. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200-$250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In London there are a variety of different places to go grocery shopping. Sainsbury's and TESCO are less expensive, while M&S is a little bit more like whole foods. I would definitely go in with a budget in mind - don't forget to factor in TRAVEL! Ryanair and EasyJet will save your life. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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 |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How mixed my emotions would be about leaving |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
