Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible 5 Months Past Review

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2018 to 06/02/2018 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was interesting to function within a different academic system, but it did make me appreciate my education in the US. I also loved being able to go to so many museums and learn outside of the classroom. It was an incredible five months of living independently, getting to know London, and traveling all over.

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.

I was in class for a lot less time than in the US. Most of my grades (85-90%) were based on one big paper or a paper and an exam. Overall, I found the academic system to be much easier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Moonraker Point which is probably the nicest, still convenient housing. It was close to a tube stop and a 15 min walk from all my classes. I did pay more for it though because I had my own room with a 3/4 bed and a bathroom. Shared a kitchen with my seven other flatmates.

* Food:

I mostly cooked for myself in the flat. Had some lunches at King's which has a cafeteria but there is no meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I knew my way around very well and got to do everything that I wanted, but because it's less of a residential campus, I was more integrated with the city than the school itself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I never had any safety issues and generally felt safe around London because there are so many people around.

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

I had a great time exploring London, which is a huge city with so much to do. I still have things I didn't get to do and I went to a lot of the major museums and historical sites as well as west end shows. It was also very nice to get to travel to seven other countries while there.

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 is not a very cheap city, but it does have a lot of student discounts so always ask. Cooking at home also saves a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask for student discounts and look at KCLSU's website for things like discount theatre tickets.

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
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • London
  • Friends
  • So much to do
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation
  • More help moving in/getting supplies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's hard to feel integrated into the King's community, but I became close with my flatmates and integrated into London more.

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 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.