Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would Do It Again In A Heartbeat April 07, 2021

By (University of Southern California) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 06/07/2019 with

IFSA: London - Queen Mary, University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about different cultures as well was able to travel around for cheap. I got a broader perspective of not only my field of study but other topics and issues too. It was just nice to experience what life could be like outside of America.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were interesting and challenging but not overwhelming so. It did offer new perspectives than what I usually received in the States. Almost all reading material was made available to students free a charge. There were great resources and accommodations for those with disabilities. Getting used to the grading rules and criteria can be a little tough but nothing that can’t be overcome if you’re mindful of the differences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It’s so nice to have your own room and bathroom to yourself. The room was very spacious and was more than enough to accommodate not only the stuff I came with but the things I ended up acquiring. Having a personal mini fridge was nice too. And the kitchen still serves as a common area if you want to hang out with your flatmates or have friends over.

* Food:

I didn’t have a meal plan on campus so cannot attest for the food. The cafe in the student Union building had some of the best coffee I’ve ever had

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very easy to feel at home in the East End if you took the time to explore. My friends and I became regulars at a few local restaurants which definitely helped us feel like we were part of the community. Everyone was fairly welcoming and friendly and was open to talk to us and give suggestions for places to go. Once you get used to the public transportation system it makes all of London feel very accessible and really gives you the opportunity to explore with minimal effort or worries about driving or traffic.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

QMUL makes it very easy and clear on how to set up with the health center we have on campus. It’s very straightforward once you get used to the differences. It was also nice to go see the doctor for issues and not have to worry about a bill.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to sign up for a credit card service that will waive exchange fees. I would have saved a lot of money with that.

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
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 classes
  • The accessibility and affordability of class materials
  • The time we had to catch up on school work or explore
* What could be improved?
  • Having more mixers for study abroad students to meet each other beyond the week
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I cannot stress this enough: you will save so much more money if you take the time and energy to find a credit/debit card that will waive international fees.

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.'