IES Abroad London

This study abroad program was amazing! For students interested in health, this is the perfect overlap between community engagement and healthcare policy. The initial draw for me was the ability to study healthcare in both London and Jamaica. London is amazing city to study in and there's so much to explore in the UK alone. It's also very easy to visit other countries from London. The professors for this program are amazing and want to see students succeed. There are many professional opportunities as the program requires a community volunteer placement - students engage with local residents and learn more about the UK's national healthcare system. Finally, students spend 10 days in Jamaica exploring local sights, trying new foods, and shadowing in healthcare clinics.

IES Abroad provided me with a great program, that allowed me so many new and exciting opportunities. I've always had a travel bug, and I was able to feed it by visiting so many new places and experiencing all new cultures. I am very introverted and I chose IES outside of my university's program options, so I was with all new people. Although it can be nerve-wracking at first, I learned to just be myself, and sometimes embrace my time alone. That first week abroad, everyone is excited to be there and meet one another, that is the perfect time to make connections. I was really worried about being surrounded by people that already knew each other, but it all worked out, and now these are some of my best friends.

Studying abroad through IES Study London was the best decision I've ever made! I had never thought about studying abroad because I was such a homebody growing up. Being away for 4 months felt like something I could never do. IES Abroad does a great job of helping you along the way, but gives you enough room to grow and to do things on your own. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone. London is also an amazing destination with SO much to offer. If you are hesitant about studying abroad, just do it! The memories you make will last a lifetime!

I am so glad I studied abroad through IES London. I had the opportunity to take classes both at the IES Center and at the City University of London, where I had a course with local students. My classes were just the right amount challenging while still being engaging and leaving time for exploring the city and having fun! I got to live in a flat with other study abroad students in a great location right next to a tube stop and multiple grocery stores and coffee shops. The public transportation in London allows you the freedom to explore the city without worrying about how to get back home, and the endless things to do mean that you will never be bored!

This abroad experience was unique for me because this was my first time traveling abroad. England could not have been a more welcoming experience and IES Abroad exceeded my expectations both connecting education with cultural exploration. For further students, I want it to be known how helpful and committed IES Abroad was at making sure you personally felt comfortable in every situation. They are there to help! IES Abroad staff is like a new little family away from your home. I would also give the advice to go on the organized trips with IES. It is a great way to see more of England with the trip already planned for you, so that it is not as stressful as it may seem to plan a trip solo while abroad. Overall, take advantage of all of the new and exciting aspects of this country.

Studying abroad with IES programs was truly the best decision I've made in my college career. From pre-departure information, to housing, to help with travel plans and more, IES was there every step of the way! I decided pretty last-minute to do the program, so I felt rushed and overwhelmed, but IES made things clear and simple for students. Once at the program, the staff and instructors were great. There were several course options, and all included many trips to museums and walking tours around London to bring our learning to life! I was able to take so many trips outside of London to explore England with friends that I made; I learned so much about myself in those short two months. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer! I cannot recommend IES programs enough!

One of the most rewarding and exciting things I am proud to have done while in college is Study Abroad. In summer of 2021, I studied in London through IES Abroad for 6 weeks! This program was filled with so many great memories and opportunities for me! During this time I took two amazing classes that gave me more insight into London, England and more largely the United Kingdom.
I was also able to meet other college students just like myself and create beautiful memories with people and now close friends I will forever remember! From tea dates, to the portobello market, to the London eye, to watching the sunset at primrose hill and biking through the city of London, there were so many exciting venues to see! When you study abroad the possibilities are endless, you get to call a different city in another country your home for 6 weeks! 
While living in London, I also appreciated how diverse the city was and how open it was to cultures from all over the world! This was the most exciting part for me! In London, every neighborhood or borough was a touristy and niche with plenty of cultural boutiques and restaurants. I was also about 15 minutes away from Camden Market, a local market with clothing, art, food, and other vendors! 
At first I was very nervous and worried about adjusting to another city, and country. But, throughout my experience The IES staff was very helpful! They helped us students understand transportation, gave us safety tips, recommendations and also created events and opportunities for us to go outside of the city of London and visit other cultural locations within England! 

This summer I spent two months with IES Abroad through the UK today program and it was amazing! everything from our location in London, to our amazing classes with field trips to many famous locations, to our Friday trips to Cambridge, Canterbury, Hasting, and more it was all amazing. The only part I didn't enjoy was leaving because I knew I would miss the friends I made and the teachers and administration that went abroad with us. You'll have plenty of time to have fun and explore little known locations that the program heads will inform you about. This was my second time travelling in London, but learned so much about hidden gems in London from talking with everyone that ran the trip!