So you want to come to London? Past Review
By Marialyse M (Film Studies, Connecticut College) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 04/18/2015 with
IES Abroad: London - Study London
One of the most important things to mention is that although the program and the staff are very much there for you, their structure of the program also encourages everyone to be the main driver in their experience, both academically and socially. As a result, you learn to be incredibly independent in a foreign country and learn the transition into the "adult world" if you embrace it.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers, not Professors but teachers, insist you call them by their first name and constantly engage you throughout the lesson with their humor and fascinating experiences in their topics. The day is like a throwback to High School when you're in class all day, but you want to be there and you want to learn. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES staff were fantastic in every way possible. They made sure we were in good health and told us what to do if we felt ill. They constantly encouraged us to be a part of the community and suggested events to go to. But most importantly, they always made you feel comfortable to talk to them about anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The security was very tight, allowing everyone to feel safe with a guard at the desk at all times. One of the best location perks was that it's a 2 minute walk to King's Cross Station. The double you share is small compared to American standards because that's just how the British architecture is. |
| * Food: |
Any stereotypes you've heard about London having gross food IS A LIE. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Tube lets you go where ever you want, whenever you want! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The staff is constantly reminding you of what to do if you're feeling ill and how to take care of yourself if something comes up. I had a friend who had to be taken to the hospital and the staff knew what was going on with her 24/7 and visited her all the time. |
| * Safety: |
London is safe if you're street smart about how you explore. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Some places are expensive, but you will always find a place you can afford, both food and material goods wise. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't try to travel every weekend and also spend a lot of money during the week. You need to choose where you want to spend your money. I didn't travel to different countries on the weekend so I had a lot more money to spend on things like theater, going to the movies, shopping, and seeing the sights. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Embrace the nightlife! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
