Life Changing. Past Review

By (Liberal Arts, General Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/06/2016 to 07/23/2016 with

IES Abroad: London - UK Today Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater understanding of the world and also gained a better understanding of myself.

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.

Best summer of my life. I went in not knowing anyone and left with life long friends. I was not only exposed to a new country but also a new side of myself.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES group was very welcoming and willing to help however, they were also good at letting us figure it out and be independent which I appreciated.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Chapter has the potential to be a great housing but we were there under construction so it was a little inconvenient.

* Food:

Meals are not provided but there is plenty of yummy food in London dont worry you will not starve.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone around was very helpful and willing to help. By the end of the program I felt like a local.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luckily, I was never ill during my stay but I feel is I was I would have been able to be treated appropriately.

* Safety:

I was lucky enough to be in London during Brexit which was an amazing experience. That being said there were a lot of riots during this time however, I never felt unsafe in London.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I am so happy I chose this program, it was an amazing experience and if I had to do it all over again I would do it the same way.

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 very expensive, that being said I was able to maintain my budget by taking out an "x" amount of money a week and only allowing myself to use that. I was able to manage that by eating lunch at home and giving myself a nice dinner why also doing tourist things.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 pounds so about 100 dollars. But, that doesnt include travel.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and stick with it. It is okay to save your money and not do everything.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Location
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Housing (I think it is currently though)
  • More meals provided
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I honestly feel as I was very prepared going into the program, I think its good going in a little unprepared.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Architecture of London

Course Department: Art
Instructor: Dr. Suzanna
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: Amazing, the class consist of filed trips and getting out and seeing London!
Course Name/Rating:

Living and Dying in London

Course Department: History
Instructor: Dr. Diana
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Was very informative. Learned a lot about past and present London and was able to not only learn about it but see it.
Credit Transfer Issues: