Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Enthusiastically English! Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 06/09/2012 with

IFSA: London - Queen Mary, University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A much broader view of the world and essential life, monetary, friend, and travel experience. It was absolutely worth it.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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 counting what we'd had to pay on the dorms at the beginning of the year. Groceries and such are cheap if you know where to go.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop Sainsbury's basics to save money, and bike if the weather's nice.

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

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Meeting people
  • A few planned excursions (tea & stonehenge were the most useful/nicest)
  • Easy access to international student help (Harry Gibney & Ceri)
* What could be improved?
  • There were so many international students, it was hard to meet Brits. Although this is hard for a program to improve.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You'll need to join either practical group classes or lots of clubs in order to actually meet and get to know local Brits.