Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most insane experience of my life Past Review

By (Economics., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/10/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Aside from obviously taking interesting classes, I learned a lot about the daily life in London and a bunch of other European countries I traveled to. Even though I live off campus at school, this was another great way to learn to really live on your own, in a brand new place with your own freedom. There are some really great pubs, bars, and clubs all around London and Europe which just made my experience go over the top.

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.

Had a few great teachers in interesting courses not offered in the U.S., but a lot of the work was outside reading that wasn't covered in class, which is a little different than I was used to. Courses were difficult but were still easy to manage while enjoying London and traveling around Europe.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an amazing flat in London right next to a major tube station and a few bus stops which made transport easy. The flat itself was incredibly nice and I had great roommates. Only complaint was the one day we had a flood in the building, but the building staff was friendly and worked hard to fix the situation while we were put up in a hotel for one night.

* Food:

Food in London is not great, and pretty expensive. Best food by far was at the markets (brick lane, borough, etc.) and was pretty reasonably priced. I did a lot of cooking myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't end up joining any clubs or meeting too many British students, surprisingly, but I did a lot of exploring and feel as if I learned a lot about British Culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Although there was a high terror alert, I never felt unsafe. Police were very friendly and there are CC TV cameras all over London which is a nice comfort.

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 even close, everything was expensive. That being said, I also ate in a lot to cut costs but went out almost every night of the week which clearly raised my overall expenses.

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? If you have a kitchen, cook for yourself and find the big discount stores. Food markets are also a great place to buy fresh, cheap food. Alcohol is pretty expensive, but learn to accept the store-brand liquor and cheap beer available.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • nightlife/social life
  • Housing
  • Ease of travel
* What could be improved?
  • not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Book certain trips WAY in advance (ex. Oktoberfest was amazing but really expensive)

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.