Direct Enrollment at Queen Mary was the best decision I ever made. Past Review

By (University of Tampa) - abroad from 09/16/2016 to 06/09/2017 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Queen Mary

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself and my potential than I thought I would. Throwing myself into a country, school, and culture that I was unfamiliar with for 9 months was pretty bold, but worth it. I don't regret a second of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some classes were well-taught and engaging, while others were not. Although I knew education in London relied much more heavily on independent studying, I felt some classes simply did not do enough to help students engage with the material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I always felt like I had someone to go to if I needed help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living on campus in a flat was the best. It helped me make friends and feel like part of the community.

* Food:

London's food isn't exactly the best, but it isn't the worst either. You have a kitchen, so your meal quality is up to you.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely always felt like a foreigner, but not in a bad way. People were interested in where I came from. I spent a lot of my free time traveling, so I was always experiencing new cultures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't really need any assistance, so I can't exactly comment on it.

* Safety:

London is like any major city. As long as you're smart and don't walk the streets alone at 4 am, you'll be fine. I never had an issue, nor did anyone else in my program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

IES provided me with the best assistance and preparation they could. The rest is up to you. Make it an experience you'll never forget.

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)

London is expensive. No way around that.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100+

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

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Direct enrollment, so I really was a student there
  • London has great access to other countries (yay travel!)
  • Historical value of London
* What could be improved?
  • QMUL could have better resources for abroad students
  • Academic quality varies greatly by class
  • Course registration is frustrating, but that's just how QMUL does it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? London doesn't actually get that cold.

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.'