I fell in love with the people, culture, and the city! It was the best experience of my life. Past Review
By Melodie T (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Florida) for
ISA Study Abroad in London, England
I am more confident in myself. You change after living abroad. I am more outgoing now and more open to new things and places. It was the best experience. I hope to one day live in London when I am older.
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. |
We had lecture Monday through Thursday for three hours a day. The classes were interesting. The grading system is harder than in the United States because three separate people grade your exams and papers to make sure there are no biases. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had one main resident director, Maria. She was always there whenever we needed something. The trips she lead were great and the places we went to were amazing including Windsor castle when the Queen was there, the Tower of London, and Canterbury. ISA was a fantastic program we had twenty five students which is a lot compared to other programs that only have about five students. I liked the amount of students on my trip. I also liked the fact that they place you with other international students in each flat other than ISA students. I was able to make so many friends and ISA was great. My expectations were met and beyond. They truly want you to have an amazing time. Maria and Marina who was her assistant were great they knew where everything was and they helped us when we wanted to travel outside of London. They were so helpful and nice. And the ISA office is very close to the University of Westminster which was our host school. It's in the perfect location in the middle of everything. I would highly suggest this program. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were six rooms in my flat. You get your own room with a twin bed, a desk, closet, and sink. There were two bathrooms to share between the six of us and a kitchen. The only thing I was surprised about was the fact that my flat was coed. I didn't know until I got to London. But in the end you become so close with your flatmates you do everything together. All of us traveled together, went to school together, and discovered London together. I would definitely recommend Alexander Fleming Dorms. It is in a hip area, Hoxton square where there are a lot of bars and clubs. And it is very close to the tube station. |
* Food: |
Fish and Chips was so good. Borough market is the place to go on Thursdays and Fridays for fresh food for lunch. There are so many different kinds of places to eat in London, you should eat in china town before you see a show since it is very close. Also try brick lane for authentic Indian foods and bargain to get a cheaper price. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everything we did was amazing. Our trip to Windsor was very cool because the queen was there, and on the same trip we got to tour Eton college where Prince William and Harry went to school. My school was so close to Piccadilly circus that I got to go to the Twilight premiere with the actors, Inception, and The Toy Story 3 premiere. London is such an exciting place, there is always something going on. Our trip to Canterbury was very pretty and Dover castle with the underground war tunnels was interesting. We also took a trip to Brighton Beach and we took a tour in the Royal Pavilion and got to go to the beach after. Another place I was excited about was touring Buckingham palace. We also went to the tower of London, all the museums, BBC, and Parliament. ISA trips were so interesting and fun at the same time. You go on trips within London during the week everyday and on the weekends you go outside of London. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
London is a very safe place I never felt like I was in danger. As long as you travel in pairs or groups you are fine never go anywhere alone at night. Just watch out for pick pockters, my friend got her camera stolen. Be cautious especially in the Tube stations. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | ISA is so helpful before you leave. If you have any questions about anything they always answer you immediately. ISA is not in it for your money rather they want you to have an amazing experience abroad. The University of Westminster liberal arts program is great. The school is on Regent street and is very close to Oxford street which known for shopping. The classes are interesting especially Psychology of City Life. What better way to study city life than living in a great city like London. Go for Six weeks it is the perfect amount of time not too short but no too long. |