Absolutely unique, unbelieveable, and fantastic. Past Review
By Sarah P (Television Radio, Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/01/2012 with
Ithaca College: London - Ithaca College London Center
I gained a ton more independence and travel experience. I gained friends that I love to this day and learned more about the human experience in terms of friends you don't need to bother with. I learned about art, theatre, and the histories of the cities themselves. I learned about taking opportunities instead of letting things pass me by. Absolutely worth my while and I wish I could return and do it all over again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were very easy in terms of work load, but they have been some of my favorite classes in terms of learning new material. Every Tuesday I would be taken on a walk around the city of London where I would tour the lands of literature. From English to French authors, we were able to actually live the geography of historical works. The next class was just as interesting as I was going to a new gallery, looking at a new technique of creating art, every period. I visited more galleries than I can remember and learned about a whole different way of expressing yourself. I was seeing 1 play a week minimum and sometimes as much as 3 a week. We'd read, watch, discuss all different sorts of performances. It was truly hands-on experience. So while it may have been extremely easy for someone like me (AP/IB), it was just as rewarding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Always helpful, loving, accommodating, and encouraging. Always involved and trying to get us involved. They were perfect. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I haven't figured out yet whether or not I would have preferred a dorm-like setting or finding our own housing. It may be more expensive to provide, but finding cheap housing in London is just that-cheap. |
| * Food: |
Since I was cooking for myself food was just o.k. I gained a lot of weight during London and I blame the pub food for that. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had my own free time to go explore and see what the locals do for fun and go anywhere I wanted in the city. Because of my classes too I was more directly exposed to the city layout, the art, and the theatre of London. It was just because of my accent and clothes that made me stick out. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I wasn't really sure what to do with healthcare so I never really pursued it. Probably a bad idea looking back. I really should have sought out help. |
| * Safety: |
I was in the Edgeware area and as a female I felt a bit uneasy. I was fine when with friends and by the end I knew how to carry myself, but I was called out as an American a few times and it was very intimidating. Even my parents came to visit and were a bit uneasy. Anywhere else in the city though, and especially around the school, I felt very safe. I was just concerned with where I live. |
| 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) |
I spent at least 35 pounds every week on groceries and then add in the occasional eating out, the spending money on buying gifts and clothes, traveling costs for different countries, Tube, and rent. Although, I'm sure you could manage your money better and make it by on a smaller budget. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200/month sometimes more |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You don't have to travel as much in the future. Seriously, take advantage of the fact you have an Oyster card. Go explore England and the rest of the UK. Save further places for Spring Break and do it at once. Also, cooking for yourself is much cheaper than eating out. If you're going to go clubbing or you want to go out, get there early and don't pay the cover charge. Pubs are always free entry and trivia is always fun. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | England has tons to offer. Take advantage of the home-ground and explore there. Go to cheap and exotic places, not the tourist traps. Take advantage of everything the ICLC offers. |
