A way to escape! August 13, 2022

By (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/20/2021 to 05/14/2022 with

IFSA: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I learned to be more independent emotionally and financially. I was able to accustom myself to a community with a wider range of cultures.

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? No

I would have chosen the university again, however, I would not go through the international advisory program, IFSA.

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)

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

  • 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?
  • Social environment
  • Location
  • academic calendar
* What could be improved?
  • study abroad communication
  • lack of information about city
  • inconsistent academic schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about what memberships and deals to order in advances before arriving, such as sim card plans and having an oyster card. It would have made traveling easier throughout the UK and made my living expenses more transparent.

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.'