Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Blending in with the Brits Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2019 to 06/01/2019 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely a worthwhile experience. I learned a lot - had to learn how to live on my own to a further extent than before, gained the ability to enjoy exploring places alone, learned to go more out of my comfort zone and take on more responsibilities.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good housing, good location, but expensive.

* Food:

No meal plan, must cook or buy meals individually.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Housing and classes were all with students enrolled at the university. Many opportunities to see and experience the city and culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program came with student health insurance - I had a severe tooth problem and was able to see a dentist through the advice of the insurance company in my first month there.

* Safety:

Some areas safer than others, should be careful at night since it is a city.

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

I loved the city as there was always something to do. I appreciated being at a very good university with a great student body and it was nice to be at a big school.

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)

Food is expensive but if you are responsible about cooking your own meals it is manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to be responsible about cooking meals as eating out a lot can add up quite a bit. Make use of the public transport - it's easy and will be significantly cheaper than taxis or Ubers.

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
* 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?
  • The city
  • Ease of traveling
  • Student culture
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation events
  • City tips and info
  • Clarity on grading
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish I knew orientation was a great way to meet people.

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.