Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exciting and Enriching! Past Review

By (Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2015 to 05/25/2015 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really enjoyed living in London. I learned how to live on my own in a new country. I became more confident and took the initiative more often. I also learned how to adjust to a new environment and different academic system. It was difficult at first to adjust to living in London, but I had an amazing experience. I highly recommend this study abroad program.

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.

I found classes in the U.K. more challenging than the classes in the U.S. I needed to adjust to the different class structure and grading at KCL. In particular, I found that I needed to be more independent than in my classes at my smaller university. For example, I had to decide how to structure my classes' reading and contact professors about office hours. My professors were helpful when I contacted them about assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not have much contact with the study abroad staff from King's College London. The IFSA-Butler study abroad staff were helpful. Whenever I had questions, they were available to answer them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Stamford Street Apartments, which was a great location. It was nice to have supermarkets, the tube and my classes nearby. In addition, I enjoyed being near the city center, as I could easily access attractions and events going on in London. The apartment was also nice. It was convenient to have a bathroom in my room and have a kitchen nearby.

* Food:

I did not find food in London much different from food in the United States. The restaurants were definitely more expensive though. As a result, I obtained most of my food from supermarkets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not get to know KCL students well in my classes. However, I became friends with KCL students in the clubs, so I would suggest joining clubs if you want to make local friends. I also got to know KCL students in my flat.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable

* Safety:

I never felt in danger when walking around in London, even at night. I was careful about where I was I walking in London. I also took precautions about where I was holding valuables.

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 spent most of my money on transportation and food. London is definitely more expensive than any of the areas I lived before.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend taking advantage of the opportunities available in London, even if some of them are more expensive. During my period in London, I realized that I needed to be comfortable in spending more money than I usually do. In terms of saving money, I would suggest taking buses for transportation. I also saved money by buying food from the supermarket.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Traveling
  • Community and Culture class
* What could be improved?
  • Process of signing up for classes
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew more about the U.K academic system.

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:

The Making of Britain II: Magna Carta and the Parliamentary State c.1050-1400
Course Department: Department of History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was challenging, as it covered a large amount of material on early British history. There were several lecturers for this course. The lecturers were often knowledgeable about the topics they were discussing. I participated in this class less often than at my home institution. I only participated in the seminars. I particularly enjoyed the seminars, as in-class discussions gave me a better understanding of the topics presented in this course. I was assessed with papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not.
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Social Medicine
Course Department: Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The lecturer was knowledgable. He presented interesting topics on the social impact of modern medicine in Europe and the United States. The lecturer also encouraged students to participate in class and think of new ways to approach health issues. I participated in this course similar to my courses at Brandeis. He assessed me with papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Global Medicine
Course Department: Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course introduced me to the politics of global health such as reproductive health and global pandemics. It was challenging in that I needed to use interdisciplinary approaches to evaluate topics in this course. The lecturer was knowledgeable about this topic. Guest lecturers also presented information on topics associated with their work, such as employees from health-related non-profit organizations. This lecturer encouraged students to participate in the course and provide their viewpoints on global health issues. I participated in this course similar to my courses at Brandeis. The lecturer assessed me with papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not
Course Name/Rating:

Language on the Edge
Course Department: Department of English
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The lecturer provided interesting presentations on literature. However, this course was very broad and did not provide in depth exploration on historical analysis. I was often confused in how certain texts related to the themes of this course. I participated in this class less than I would have at my home institution. The lecturer assessed me with papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not