Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So much more than I expected! Past Review

By (Accounting, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/25/2016 to 07/23/2016 with

IES Abroad: London - Summer Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was awesome to be in a different country! Its so much different than being away from home while in college.

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.

This was a fun course and I learned a lot about the culture and my workplace

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was no air conditioning (yes I know its not a thing in Europe, but still) and there was ALOT of construction going on in my building the entire summer which was a little annoying. For the most part, it was a good place.

* Food:

Food was a little bland but there is always something good to eat! I really recommend Chinatown

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any problems, but it seemed easily accessible

* Safety:

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)

I planned extra money because I knew London was expensive. And then the exchange rate was better during the last month there because of Brexit. I also traveled to other countries during the summer with friends, so make sure to account for that kind of transportation if thats interesting to you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It definitely depends on your spending habits. I eat a lot so I spent most of my extra money on food (and travel as mentioned above)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to save money on lunches, try to find markets around the area! They are generally about £5 and are very filling. Or they have a £3 meal deal at TESCO (a grocery store) for a sandwich, drink, and a little bag of fruit.

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

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location (central london)
* What could be improved?
  • strictness of staff (professors were great though)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wanna do it again!