ISA Summer Study Abroad in London is Definitely Worthwhile Past Review

By (Advertising and Public Relations, Grand Valley State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was worthwhile. I learned about the people and culture of London and I felt that I grew as a person. I feel more independent and outgoing because of my trip, I feel like I can take on anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I traveled through ISA, the program leaders were always available when we needed them and they had pre-planned trips for us to go site seeing. They also let us have our "free" time so we could explore and do things on our own which I found very helpful. I was able to find my own way around the city quickly and I found great areas that I would not have seen a tourism walk.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms I lived in were small, but amazing! The dorms were not on-campus so it was a brief 10-15 min walk to class, but the walk was joyful because I got to mingle with the locals and go site-seeing. The dorms were also very close to different historical sites through-out the city. Big Ben (the clock tower) was only a 5 min walk away. I was in a dorm that had American students, local students, and international students. I got to meet some really amazing people and I had a lot of fun.

* Food:

Food was not provided by the dorm, but we had kitchens and stores close by. The food seemed reasonably priced and tasted delicious! Going out to eat wasn't too expensive either. I went out to eat a lot there and it didn't burn up my funds. My favorite places to eat were small local shops down side streets; they are cheap, good, and have interesting people who know a lot about the city. If you are traveling to London make sure to try the mozzarella sticks with salsa at McDonald's (I know right McDonald's... but they have WAY different food there. Its an experience you must try!) and got to E.A.T. They have some of the best sandwiches ever!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

To get a good social and cultural experience you really need to make an effort to go out on your own and explore. That is what I did, I wasn't afraid to go out on my own and talk to people and I feel that I really got a better grasp of the people and culture of London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No one in my group of ISA students got sick but I know if one of us would have, we would have been taken care of. Throughout my program safety was not an issue for me, I actually probably felt too safe. I wasn't scared to go explore on my own, I would talk to people, and I even went out running at night. I never once felt threatened while on my trip.

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Language skills were not much of a problem for me traveling to London seeing how they speak English there. Although, they do have different mannerisms and say different things. Their language was easy to pick up on while there but I would suggest looking up the differences between American English and British English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO IT! It's an amazing experience you will never forget! The program directors were great to work with and they took us on trips to places like Dover and Bath.