Interstudy, Queen Mary: An Amazing Semester in the City Past Review
By Lucy L (History, University of Virginia) for
ISA Study Abroad in London, England
I in no way regret my decision to study abroad for a year. It was an incredible experience and I had the opportunity to travel extensively and make great friends both American and British. Living in the city was an educational and rewarding experience, and one I am anxious to repeat. Interstudy was a great program to help me make this transition, and I would recommend them to anyone considering going abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall the classes were interesting and the workload very manageable. Professors were generally good, and classes usually met once a week so there was considerable time to explore London and travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My experience with interstudy was great - they were helpful and responsive to anything I might need. Queen Mary was also fine to work with, I would just recommend being flexible with your class schedules as the enrollment process is different in the UK. You will likely not have your courses finalized until the first two weeks of classes. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was nice living with a mix of study abroad and British students. I felt I had the opportunity to participate in British university life while also making friends who were having the same study abroad experience. |
| * Food: |
I had the Curve meal plan for my first semester. The food was OK, but I did not miss it when I went off the meal plan for my second semester. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Coleman did a great job introducing us to London, and the interstudy trip to Ireland was a fun experience as well. The small size of the program made the trips more easygoing and relaxed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Mile End is not the safest area of London, nor is it the least safe. As long as you are sensible about your surroundings it should not be a problem, and the interstudy administration will always be there to give advice. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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
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* 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? | I had an exceptional time in London, and would highly recommend it as a place to study abroad. Interstudy does a fine job at helping you to get settled, work out your schedule and connecting you with resources in the city. As with any new experience, you should be prepared to make adjustments to the style of British universities, including enrolling in courses. A little patience and flexibility will go a long way. |
