Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London is actually really different from the U.S. Past Review

By (African and Afro-American Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/20/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

IFSA: London - Study Abroad at SOAS, University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot!

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.

The courses are definitely rigorous and more laborious than the work in the U.S. Schools in England are very particular about the work you submit and you get penalized for things that otherwise would go unchecked in the U.S. For example, going over a specified word limit would take deduct points from your assignment's grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA-Butler staff were very nice; however, the program itself was not really that supportive. We figure this out on the first day when several Black students were concerned about our safety navigating London and no one was able to tell us anything that was helpful. We had a presenter who was a cop and said really ignorant things that never addressed our questions. Throughout the program, the only support we received was a general email sent to everyone in IFSA-Butler that basically said "we're here if you need anything!" There was no support integrated into the nature of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was nice having a room with a bathroom in it. Kitchen was ok. Location was great. Security was good.

* Food:

Eh, London isn't the best place for food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Definitely was very nice to go to talks at schools, experience nightlife or just go out for drinks.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The change of water did cause a few people to have breakouts in the beginning. Also, the air is really polluted and dry. I definitely got sick at least three times while I was there.

* Safety:

I did feel mostly safe throughout the day. There were a few weird incidents at night time though so definitely be cautious of that.

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

i would definitely directly enroll into SOAS. The host program was useless. The extra fees are not worth it.

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 is really difficult to have a decent time without money. I definitely struggled especially at the beginning but thankfully was able to save my money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just save.

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?
  • People
  • Professors
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • IFSA-Butler
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? ah! Scholarships available outside of my home institution.

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.