I think the Ithaca College London Program is excellent. Past Review

By (Cinema & Photography, Ithaca College) for

Ithaca College: London - Ithaca College London Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. It was an awesome experience that I will never regret nor forget. I encourage everyone to try and study abroad. I had a lot of financial challenges, but it all worked out in the end.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the London Program is excellent. The workload is just right for the study abroad experience, not too much but not too little. The professors are all very intelligent and engaging. While the program is quite similar to Ithaca College itself, its smaller size makes for a personable, close-knit experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at the London Center was very friendly and helpful. The program was run very well and any issues were resolved quickly. Having lived in London for a while, some their whole lives, they were knowledgeable about the area.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We found a flat on our own which was a bit stressful, but gave us the opportunity to become familiar with the geography of London. The staff were very helpful in referring us to locations and contacts. We found a 2br, 2bath flat close by, in Chelsea, 8A Westgate Terrace. To my knowledge, the landlord continued renting to Ithaca College students after we left. <br /><br /> It was great being so close to the London Center and the neighborhood was beautiful and very safe.

* Food:

We did our own grocery shopping and cooking which was great. Though the metric system was a bit of an adjustment, we enjoyed going shopping and experiencing British cuisine. It really added to our living experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I personally didn't have any health or safety issues. We lived in a nice part of London, fortunately, so I never felt unsafe. The staff at the London Center advised us on what to do in case of emergency so I feel getting health care would have been a reasonable process.

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? To be honest, I don't remember. But, the exchange rate certainly was detrimental to my spending. My budget relied heavily on the amount of financial aid I received and I don't feel the exchange rate was considered in this matter.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The exchange rate is something to always be mindful of. Also, when you are paying for housing, you have to put down a deposit which is often the cost of an additional month's rent.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's something you will hear a lot, but when you go abroad, you should take full advantage of your time there. I feel there is a lot more I could have been doing on those days where I just stayed inside/at home. Plan out your budget so you know how much money you have and spend it all! You may not have the chance to again.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Selected Topics: Art History - Art in London

Course Department: ARTH 27500
Instructor: Lisa Thompson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I loved this class. Primarily field trips, we got to visit many parts of London and experience the vast British/European art world through galleries and museums of various sizes and media. The professor made the material understandable while challenging us to think in new and different ways. The class size was small so we got to know each other well and were comfortable having discussions. I think this class is unique to the London Center and I am very glad I had the opportunity to take it.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

British Comedy: Film, TV, & Radio

Course Department: CNPH 31000
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course content gave a rich background on British media and how it is situated in the country's history and culture. We watched/heard a wide range of material and I feel I better understand British comedy and networking. The professor is well versed in the course content and has great passion for what he is teaching. Being Welsh, he knows first-hand what he is teaching and it shows.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Selected Topics: European Business

Course Department: MKTG 21200
Instructor: Fahri Unsal
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was a bit challenging for me, as I am not a Marketing student. I liked the course, but it was a bit dry. Fortunately, the professor allowed us to pursue our topics of choice relating to European Business for papers/projects. This allowed for a more relatable understanding of the course material.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary British Politics

Course Department: POLT 32100
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course covered a lot of material regarding the current and past British political system of government. I really enjoyed the class because I take great interest in politics. The course gave me a new appreciation for the history of the UK and the field trips we took were amazing experiences. The professor is very intelligent, she always made sure we understood the material and answered our questions.
Credit Transfer Issues: