Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Surprise (In the BEST Way) Past Review

By (George Washington University) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/14/2018 with

IFSA: London - Study Abroad at the University of the Arts London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I learned more about my career path and myself. I learned that I had this creativity within me and it ultimately formed my career path away from politics and into design/graphic design.

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.

Fantastic. The program was simultaneously academically rigorous while also encouraging students to explore the city. It was the perfect combination of exploration and academia.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IFSA Staff in London is FANTASTIC. They are so personable and they want to get to know you! It was so refreshing how excited they were and it was contagious.

* 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

Absolutely. This program is one of a kind. My school does not support careers in the creative industry as much, so this program was absolutely amazing. Instructors were practicing stylists, designers and journalists. The curriculum unleashed an amazing creative sense that I had no idea I had. I would love to end up in London after I graduate.

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 expensive-- I spent a lot of time budgeting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely prioritize-- pick one thing that you really want to splurge on (mine was clothing) and then budget the other stuff such as food, travel, etc.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 Curriculum
  • London as a city
  • The Creativity
* What could be improved?
  • The Budgeting advice provided
  • the integration with current students
  • Wish it was longer! :)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about how to budget. It would've been nice to have some sort of class about tips and tricks to living in London on a student budget.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!