Interstudy London: "As Much of Life as the World Can Show" Past Review

By Rachael G (Biological Sciences and Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Rhode Island) for

ISA Study Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about myself, and got to experience more culture than I ever have. It reinforced my previous academic and career goals. I find myself missing London now, and would go back in a heartbeat.

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.	Be aware that the British Education system is entirely different then the American Education system. You are not tested during the term- instead, either a paper or an exam at the end of the term is 100% of your grade in a module (class).
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Coleman was absolutely amazing. When I had problems with King's College Administration, he did everything he could to help. He was always available if you needed something, and was very reliable. I really enjoyed getting to know him, as did many of the people in the program. He is easy to get along with, and tries to be your friend. And his friendship doesn't end with the program- I still regularly correspond with him! He really cares about you, unlike other administrators I have met.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in the Stamford Street Apartments. LIVE HERE! It is only a 10 minute walk from the main campus. If you live anywhere else, you have to take the tube in, and that is expensive. Living situation is apartment-style: you get your own bathroom and your own room. Be warned though, the space available is small. However, you share a kitchen with 4 other people, so you do get interaction.
* Food:	You can't get a meal plan here, but that's a good thing. London has so many different culinary experiences to offer. And the fact that you have a kitchen also means that you can live on a budget and cook for yourself. There is always a Tesco around to get all your food.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I really took advantage of my time here. You can read all about my adventures in the UK and Ireland here: http://rachaeltakingoverlondon.blogspot.com/ . Interstudy provided me with some pretty magnificent opportunities. We were brought out to eat at some great restaurants, taken to a London play, and even taken to Ireland- airfare, hostel, and meals included. This was one of my favorite trips during my stay in the UK. We went hiking and horseback riding, and got to meet other Interstudy students that studied around the UK and Ireland. Definitely one of my fondest memories!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Although I never needed it, my school had a clinic. Because I didn't have any issues, I can not give more information on the health aspect. However, Interstudy always checked in on me in order to see if I was doing OK. I also have severe allergies, and Interstudy made sure that they warned me of any alternative words used for my specific allergens. For example, prawns are shrimp. I am allergic to seafood, and if I hadn't been warned, I would have been in trouble. There are prawns in so many of the foods! I felt very safe in the city. As long as you know to avoid dark alleyways and know your way around the city, you will be fine. Use common sense too. I feel as if that is the main reason I had no problems in London.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	If you are going through Interstudy and you are a serious student, apply to King's. They have a higher standard for study abroad, and the education you can get there is unrivaled. People know of King's College because of its prestigious reputation. As for Interstudy itself, I was very impressed with the program. They were very helpful during the entire process- application, study abroad, and even after returning to the States.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Museums of London
Course Department:	Classics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Great course to take in London- you learn about the culture and go to museums for class.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Climate Variability, Change and Society
Course Department:	Geography
Instructor:	Koehler
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Basic information in Climate Change. The professor is very informative and kind. He is willing to work with you in order to help you understand the information.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Environmental Risk, Governance and Society
Course Department:	Geography
Instructor:	Ragnar and Rothstein
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Very informative course. Learn how to communicate risk to the public, and study specific cases of Risk Communication in the UK, such as the BSE crisis.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Social Theory and the Environment
Course Department:	Geography
Instructor:	Lamier
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Not my favorite. Although very informative, I feel like this course overlapped a great deal with Environmental Risk, Governance, and Society. 1/2 of the course is lecture, the other 1/2 is presentations of projects by your peers. Lectures are boring, but you do learn a lot from the presentations.
Credit Transfer Issues: