invaluable lessons learned Past Review

By (English and Philosophy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 06/02/2012 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
living independently, cultural integration; yes

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare all your meals. Make sandwiches, pasta dishes, and other low-cost meals. Bring a water canteen to save on purchasing bottled water. Walk as much as possible to save on transportation expenses. Take advantage of museums and sites with free admission. Ask establishments if they have student discounts. For students interested in drinking abroad, purchase alcohol at a convenience store and drink socially with friends prior to visiting a bar or pub.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Guided integration
* What could be improved?
  • More practical advice such as how to save money, best sites to see, transportation usage
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? calling a taxi service associated with my host institution to transport me from the airport to my hotel (dragging 2.5 heavy suitcases through the Tube at 3am was brutal)