An Experience That I Will Cherish Forever Past Review

By (Business and History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/23/2017 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I am much more confident to do things by myself. If I can travel alone in not only a foreign city, but also a foreign country and continent, then I can travel anywhere in the US and take this confidence into other activities.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were always caring and looked out for my every need when called upon.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm was a bit small, but it was very cozy and I really enjoyed living there while allowing myself to interact with other foreign students.

* Food:

There was no meal plan but that was alright because the school provided an adequate kitchen area for all students

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had was very sick with a 103 fever and there was little to no help at all provided by the school. From there, I had to find a local medicial clinic which took me 5 hours to seek help as I had to wait in a line. Thankfully everything in the end was OK, but I was very panicked and in pain for 2-3 days.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in London. Coming from New York, London felt very similar and I felt very comfortable with all living situations there.

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

Truly a great experience. I learned a tremendous amount about London, England, Europe, and ultimately myself. By living alone in a foreign country, you learn skills and traits you never would have thought of prior.

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 expensive, but it is manageable with a budget.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking is a great way to save money and not eat at restaurants daily.

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
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?
  • Meeting new people
  • Exploring new places
  • Learning more about myself
* What could be improved?
  • Living accomodation was very far from campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was very prepared by Brandeis there is nothing I would have liked to have known prior.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'