London: A City of International Proportions Past Review
By Alexandra D (Sociology., Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: London - Study London
I defintely have seen a different way of life in London. The way in which people interact in such a diverse cosmopolitan city was really inspiring and fun to see.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was pretty light, and I only had to write two papers of moderate length and difficulty. I honestly spent about an hour every day on homework. Teaching methods were the same, a bit more lecture over there, but we still participated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our on-site admin were very friendly and helpful. They always knew the best places to eat and see. The program size was perfect and my classes were nice and small. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood our dorm was in was a really nice part of town and very safe. It wasn't too far from nightlife, but I really missed air conditioning while I was there! Buying a fan was the best investment I made. The dorm itself was clean and well cared for. |
| * Food: |
Food was great on the trip, and I mostly made my own stuff so I catered to my own preferences. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone was so friendly and wonderful, I felt close to my group as a whole and made a ton of friends. The excursions around town were really fun and I really liked our Indian dinner that the program put on. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in London, but I still traveled in groups for the most part. I had no exposure to the health system in London. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I tried to be frugal, but I probably spent about 50 dollars a week on food. Alcohol took a huge chunk out of my budget and an average drink in London is around 9 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | London was expensive, and it was a struggle in the end to keep under budget. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I loved it!! Be outgoing and talk to people you ordinarily woudln't. Whats the point of studying abroad if not to change your perspectives and explore yourself? |
