Running on London Time Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 09/14/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Queen Mary

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience in London has definitely taught me a lot of things about myself and the

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took a biology, chemistry, psychology, and drama course! I especially enjoyed my drama class because I got to see performances around London! I also learned a lot more about the culture, community, and diversity!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very organized and knowledgeable source of information!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living on campus because Queen Mary is the only place that has a campus in London. It was a more integrative exposure.

* Food:

If you look for it, you can definitely find great food in London! The place is so big and there's something for everyone!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The IES Center was very helpful.

* Safety:

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

I am still amazed at how much I miss my second home in London. The friends I've made, countries I've visited, and adventures I've gone on have all contributed to my worthwhile experience in London! Studying abroad at Queen Mary allowed me to be a part of a more integrative social hub, since I was living on campus with both locals and other international/exchange students. It was almost like I never left home since it's kinda like the living situations back in the states. But since Queen Mary is the only university that has a campus in London, it made my study abroad adventure a little more unique. It was a great way for me to make friends and the location was out of the way enough so that I wasn't constantly in the bustling city and that it was close enough for me to get to whenever I needed it. I have to say though, my most memorable moments are those that had me running for a bus, train, or coach, since I was always traveling. You could catch me in Edinburgh on Wednesday and Barcelona on Friday. Having the independence abroad really put me out of my comfort zone, but at the same time allowed me to grow and develop other valuable skills that made integrating myself in different countries easier. Besides traveling, I also took a biology, chemistry, psychology, and drama course, all of which were easily transferred back to my home institution. The program I was with, IES Abroad, facilitated my studies Queen Mary and the staff were very knowledgeable. Since it was a direct enrollment program, IES did not do all the work, but helped me along every step of the way. When I could not get into one of the classes I needed to graduate, IES helped me email the global exchange office and facilitated the process. They were very supportive both abroad and back in the states. I would definitely love to study abroad again with IES Abroad!

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)

I think I stayed well within my budget and cut down the cost on some of the things I didn't need so that I could save more money for souvenirs and other things!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy unnecessary things that will take up space in your luggage and cost you more money! Spend money on experiences not things!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Londoners speak English and so did I.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My living arrangements!
  • The proximity of the dorm to the tube and bus station!
  • The FOOD!
* What could be improved?
  • More integrative social events for students in the same program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I realized how many things I did not need to bring on this trip! It took up so much space in my luggage, so I really wish I listened to previous study abroad goers' advice!