Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

IES Abroad: London - Theater Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was ABSOLUTELY worthwhile. I wish more American students would study abroad.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic location, great views, and nice, clean rooms. The shared kitchens are a little below standard though, the laundry costs an arm and a leg, and the front desk staff are pretty rude.

* Food:

I felt like IES somewhat hid the fact that there was no meal plan offered.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I caught strep throat while abroad, and had to go to a health clinic. They saw me for a few minutes, diagnosed me without a strep test, and still charged me £100 plus medication. Not a great health experience.

* Safety:

IES warned us about all possible strikes, terrorism threats, and everything else. They even required us to own phones so that they could contact us in case of emergency.

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 was not as expensive as I'd expected. In fact, I wrote down everything I spent, and buying food there turned out to be cheaper than the Trinity meal plan.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? >£100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? 1. Shop at Tesco, not Sainsburys. 2. Look for discount deals at the supermarket. 3. Pack lunches, and try to limit eating out. 4. Calculate how often you use the public transportation, and use that to determine whether to buy the weekly Oyster Card or the pay-as-you-go. (I chose the latter.) 5. Write down everything you spend. 6. Theatre can be cheap if you buy day-of seats. 7. Always ask if places offer student discounts.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • I became more independent
  • I learned more about different cultures
  • I learned a lot about myself
* What could be improved?
  • There should be more fellowship with locals; unfortunately all of my classmates were Americans like me.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I've learned so much... see http://trinitybroadwayhopeful.blogspot.co.uk/ for more details!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!