Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

English is not always Easy Past Review

By (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 06/08/2013 with

IFSA: London - Queen Mary, University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be truly independent. Going off to college is one thing, but when you really are away without access to the USA, and have to juggle things like money, new classes, unfamiliar teaching styles, and meeting a completely new group of people, it can be very difficult to adjust. For me, the best days were ones during which I went adventuring on my own and in doing so, really got to know London.

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.

Brandeis is FAR stronger academically. They cannot even compare.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I cannot really rate this because I was not on a meal plan and did all my cooking. The times I did go out to eat though, I was left satisfied.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 INCREDIBLY expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Avoid going out and getting drinks. They are extremely overpriced and you watch your money disappear very quickly.

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
  • 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 flats
  • The people I met
  • London
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation
  • Monthly Check-ins
  • Preparations for essays and exams
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is not always an easy adjustment. Give yourself time to get acclimated and sooner or later, things will be less stressful and feel more like home.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.