Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London Felt Like A Dream! August 30, 2023

By (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/03/2023 to 05/20/2023 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it really worth it!! London was so much fun and I was able to travel to many places, meet new friends, etc. Im an art major back at Brandeis so I really enjoyed the artistic/cultural element there

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It's less intense than university in the US

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is a bit old but I had everything I needed

* Food:

We basically cater on ourselves but there are multiple cafes around campus with very reasonable student pricing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish there were more affiliate student bonding events

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to visit the dentist once, the program was very responsible and the clinic they found was really nice, but it did take them a long time to go through the scheduling process and get my appointment set up

* Safety:

I felt really safe throughout my experience

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A LOT
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? London is really expensive!!!

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
  • The resource in London
  • The amount of societies/things to get involved with
* What could be improved?
  • The academic could be more rigorous
  • more social events for affiliate students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive London is to live in

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.