Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London Will Become a Part of You Past Review

By (Arts Management and Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Charleston) - abroad from 08/28/2014 to 12/11/2014 with

IES Abroad: London - Study London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There are many different ways to explore and get to know a city, may it be food, the arts or meeting people, choose your favorite and it'll be more than worthwhile.

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.

The Study London Program through IES Abroad is a one of a kind program. It is a small program and classes consisted of no more than 15 people. The teachers are engaging and understanding and I still keep in touch with some. Classes are located in a historic house and surrounded by UK colleges and universities. The classes meet once a week and require a lot of work but I found it interesting. You go on a lot of "field trips"and attend the museums and cultural events often.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Nido Student Living Spitalfields, which has 33 floors and located in the center of the City of London, right near Liverpool Street Station. Students from all over the world and who were in different programs also lived there so its easy to make friends. The building has a gym on the top floor, huge lounge, courtyards and smaller lounges on each floor. The mail/package system is super efficient and the security are all super helpful and really nice. You're steps away from Spitalfields Market, which is filled with restaurants, shops and a market and also steps away from Bricklane where all the indian restaurants, shops and markets are located. It takes about 25 minutes to get to campus on the tube. The rooms are modern and you have your own room with a shared kitchen and bathroom.

* Food:

London is filled with fabulous restaurants and cuisines and the markets are a great way to get one of the best free lunches of your life.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

People in London are friendly and it is an absolute blast 24/7. It is easy to learn, tubes are super efficient and people will help you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Travel in a pack per usual.

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)

LONDON IS EXPENSIVE. Luckily I had a kitchen and could cook and save money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • accommodations
  • classes
  • the city itself
* What could be improved?
  • the size
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not pack my whole entire closet.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.