Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

finding the sun in the London fog Past Review

By (Anthropology/Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/17/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

IFSA: London - School of Oriental and African Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Ultimately you only get out of an experience what you put in. My time in London was worthwhile because I made sure it would be. I connected to local art and culture communities that kept me busy and learning.

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.

Great lecturers and a surplus of resources but the differences in course structure (only writing one paper for the term) and different writing criteria makes it difficult (but not impossible) to get an A

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Took a while to get used to the "wet room" thing but I loved having an Ensuite bathroom and had really cool flatmates. Set kitchen expectations early to avoid conflict

* Food:

Cooking for myself was fun but expensive. Definitely feel a bit more mature and capable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not from the program but I took upon myself to get an internship and attend events throughout the city. That was definitely the highlight of my time abroad. Also not being afraid to talk to people in classes. One of my TAs is now a good friend.

* 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

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)

Everything was solo expensive, budgeting was hard and had to learn to sacrifice some wants

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 1500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set yourself to a strick budget. Only buy clothes that you can't live without. Bargain hunt. And utilize markets.

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
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?
  • housing support
* What could be improved?
  • more exciting excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That London is not a post-racial fantasy land

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.