London City Past Review

By (Energy, Business and Finance, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 12/21/2013 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - City University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the experience of living in a vibrant, global city like London has taught me how to enjoy the important aspects of life, as well as how to communicate and share ideas with people of a different culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? A little over $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always ask for student discounts and take advantage of whatever discount is available.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location of housing
  • Friendly staff at IES
  • Tons of free time to explore the city
* What could be improved?
  • Scheduling of classes
  • Size of the rooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can buy a 16-25 youth railcard for 30 pounds that gives you a 1/3 discount on all train fares and Underground fares. I didn't find this out until late October, but it was still very useful because I saved 50 pounds on trips to Manchester and Liverpool alone.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'