Everyone falls desperately in love with this city Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, and Philosophy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2015 to 06/06/2015 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A better sense of how big the world is, how to interact with people in different situations, how to be alone (in a big city like this, you will quite possibly spend more time alone than ever before, but not necessarily in a bad way), how to make decisions and take initiative...

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.

The independent style education really is you getting what you put into it. That said, especially as a student coming from a small liberal arts school, I felt (and generally feel about the European University system) that the lack of guidance and discussion in class left a lot to be intellectually desired.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Certainly no complaints-- they were all available (responding to emails quickly, and even following up/checking in thereafter), and always very warm, kind people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They're funny little rooms, but I lived in the Stamford Street Apartments which are pretty much as central as one can get. It's a thrilling and unlikely opportunity, living in the center of notoriously expensive London, and not one I expect to ever have access to again. I also have my own bathroom and got very close with my (mostly American) flatmates. Wonderful wonderful.

* Food:

When cooked by me (most of the time): good enough. When foraged for out in the city: depends what kind of food. It's always good enough, and slightly expensive. You'll find the spots that are worth it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Yes I live with *an* english person, and took classes with them, but unless one lives with several locals, and is pulled into their social scene that way, it's unlikely to be integrated insofar as that means "become friends with the Brits". (having also studied abroad in Paris, and having spoken with the program advisors, it seems that this is especially a trend/difficulty encountered in these large cities) But there is interest and I imagine that if I had been outright aggressive about it, I could have made some local buddies.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The NHS. Whoa-- I went twice (once to the one on the King's campus, and once the Urgent Care Center) and, aside from the wait, was given exactly what I needed and in a free/very affordable manner. If your health concerns involve that of the mental variety, however, you may have more difficulty. This is not included, but the fees (which are tremendous) are reimbursed through study abroad insurance. However, given the timeline for reimbursement, and the steep conversion rate of the currency, these factors combined to make meeting with a counselor impossible.

* Safety:

Never had one problem, despite being a young woman who sometimes walks around in the dark.

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)

Honestly, I took out 100 pounds/week. I got food and lived otherwise modestly on it (maybe eating out once or twice per week). If you're here to party and drink, it's going to cost much more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? food: 35-45 pounds/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself, spend money on *doing things* as opposed to *acquiring things*. If you're here while the weather is nice (which does happen), just spend time outside or in the (always free) museums. This city is so rich and clean and wonderful, you can just *be* here.

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
* 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?
  • location location location
  • Community and Culture class (look into it, honestly it's an excuse for thoughtful and free fun with curious/passionate people)
  • adventure weekend!
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I'd been available to come to the teas at Sommerset house, the scheduling didn't work out for me
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive it is, how ruined I'd be by the prospect of going "home" to the U.S.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

James Joyce and Ulysses

Course Department: English
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Teacher was very knowledgable and clearly very taken with the topic (which is necessary when the subject is that nearly 1000 page behemoth). Small, advanced (senior year level) class where discussion was actually encouraged.
Credit Transfer Issues: we'll see
Course Name/Rating:

Causes of War

Course Department: War Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language: english
Comments: Sorta. It's intro level and there's tons of Americans. It's very broad and thus doesn't leave much time for in depth exploration.
Credit Transfer Issues: ...
Course Name/Rating:

Epistemology II

Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor:
Instruction Language: english
Comments: Very good lecturer and tutor (which is to say seminar leader grad student), but not enough discussion/student involvement to really make everything sink in and feel relevant (but I also was personally very much not a fan of this branch of philosophy).
Credit Transfer Issues: there shouldn't be...
Course Name/Rating:

Subjects of Desire in Medieval Religious Writing

Course Department: English
Instructor:
Instruction Language: eng
Comments: Cool lectures, a niche enough topic that discussions were interesting and one could learn the patterns for which to search. The smaller sections were especially pleasant.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not