Five months in east London Past Review

By (Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2018 to 05/13/2018 with

IFSA: London - Queen Mary, University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned massively about Europe. Politically, socially, etc. London brings people from across the world and I loved being a part of that.

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

IFSA was great, especially their trips. They were great at the beginning and pulled back as we got more comfortable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In a nice dorm. Clean but antisocial.

* Food:

Had a great kitchen and closer stores.

* 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? 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)

Cannot make the most of London without spending.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • London has it all
  • Long breaks for travel
  • Great location - easy to get anywhere
* What could be improved?
  • Didn't have a solid end-date until late March
  • Housing was fine but isolating
  • Courses not rigorous
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That we'd miss a month of lecture from Professors' strike action.