The Most Profound Period in My Academic/Professional/Personal Life Past Review
By Jocelyn W (Art History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/14/2014 to 06/05/2014 with
IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Courtauld Institute of Art
I gained more than could ever be transcribed into text. I find myself continuously mulling over tender memories from that divine semester.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Though the quantity of assignments was moderate, the academic expectations were extremely high. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There does not appear to be an established study abroad program at the Courtauld. You will have to take initiative with figuring out the academic and social system. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was extremely lucky and got a room in the only campus dorm, a 64-person building that anyone from the 400 person institution can bid for. If you are unable to get a room with the Courtauld, you are on your own. Most affordable housing will be inconveniently outside zone 3 in London. |
| * Food: |
Dining is not provided and London is expensive. My $60-$80 meals were phenomenal though. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Even as an extremely extroverted individual, I still found it challenging at the beginning to integrate with Courtauld students. English culture is quite reserved so do NOT expect your fellow classmates to reach out to you. I approached every single one of the friends I made. Eventually I established several wonderful social circles (outside and within the Courtauld), but if you are not sociable and completely comfortable in your own skin then it will be difficult to thrive. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare is amazingly structured in the UK. Accessible, friendly, and often free. |
| * Safety: |
If you are lucky enough to live in central London, you are fine. Places outside of zone two made me feel uncomfortable. |
| 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) |
If you are on a tight budget, I would recommend looking into another city. Despite the free museums, I would not have been able to enjoy this city if my parents had not provided me with $1000-$1300/month allowances. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I suppressed my dating life. Catching a lovely Englishman is so not worth the time when there is so much else to be soaking up. |
