IFSA: King’s College, London Partnership

I spent my spring semester junior year studying abroad in London, England at King's College London with IFSA and it was one the best semester of my college career. From the beginning of the application process, IFSA provided me with a program advisor who assisted me in every way of the process. After I was accepted into the program I received the same support and applied to the scholarship program and the work to study program that IFSA provides. Both of these resources helped me finance my study abroad experience which was very helpful as a first-generation and student. IFSA also provided me with specific and informational material about what to expect and bring to London. When I first arrived at London IFSA's orientation program helped me acclimate to the city and I was able to purchase some personal products, an oyster card and exchange my money. At King's, there were many interesting options for classes. I took a few classes in my major and a class in climate geography which was very new. Classes were great and the professors were interactive and understanding. I will say that it is important to understand that the university structure in England is very independent so you have to be aware of deadlines and upcoming exams and papers (they are VERY strict with deadlines and extensions). Academically I struggled with my geography class because I was unaware of the background information and it was a very science-based class. However with my IFSA program advisor's advice and recommendation, I communicated my concerns to my Professors who gave me some extra materials, and I received help from the study skill resource on King's campus. While abroad, finding my community was not as difficult as I thought. IFSA allowed me to meet other IFSA students during orientation and through their scheduled events and programs (such as a trip to the Lake District), I found a lot of friends from these interactions. I also found one of my closest friends abroad during one of my classes. So, it was relatively easy to find friends and meet new people because there is plenty of opportunities to interact with students. Unlike other programs IFSA allowed me to be as independent as I wanted throughout my study abroad experience. I attended many of the programs they scheduled but I also attended King events such as "open mic nights and cultural events". While my study abroad experience was wonderful and I received many opportunities there were times of difficulty. One of my closest friends passed away and I got pickpocketed in Paris and lost my passport and credit cards. These events were tough and I couldn't have navigated the entire processes if not for the IFSA London staff. They were truly so kind, and even went out of their way to help me cancel my credit cards and order new ones, and they found me a professional to talk too after my friend passed away. As a student of color and faith, I was nervous about going to study abroad but I was so impressed by the resources that IFSA and Kings have. Everyone was supportive and understanding and I felt truly like a part of London's community.

I chose to study in London during the spring of my junior year, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I lived in a flat in South East London (40 minutes from my uni) with six other students from my uni (King's College London), which allowed me to fully immerse myself in my new community. Within a few short weeks I'd gotten the hang of the London transportation system and was able to navigate the city with confidence. At uni, I took English literature courses that covered subjects ranging from the soldier poets of World War I to the urban landscape of modern London. During my free time, I visited museums, shopped at street markets, went to music gigs, and burned off steam at the neighborhood pubs with my friends. My study abroad program also gave me the opportunity to see small theatre performances, attend a private tour of Parliament, and take a trip to the Lake District. I lived in London during a crucial period in the U.K.'s history. The Brexit negotiations, climate activism, and urban development were just a few of the topics at the forefront of people's minds. I had ongoing conversations with my friends, university peers and professors, and neighbors that challenged the way I think about race and ethnicity, class, nationality, foreign policy, activism, and so much more. I left London with a richer understanding of the world I live in and of myself.

I could not have asked for a better semester abroad, and IFSA was the best facilitator. From the first week of orientation, I knew that IFSA would have me covered with a great support system throughout the semester. I really appreciated the periodic check-ins with the IFSA staff, and the weekend excursions they offered, particularly Lake District Weekend. The IFSA staff were also very helpful with scheduling classes, which was especially handy during the KCL Strike period.

IFSA-Butler really went above and beyond when it comes to preparing their students for cultural immersion. Our orientation was set in a wonderful hotel, they provided us with great meals (and worked especially well with my extensive list of food allergies) throughout, and I left after a few days feeling prepared to take on London––and the Tube. I loved that they offered a little two-credit course for culture and community to help take students around town and just learn about each other and the city. They were so efficient about providing us with all of the information we needed, and things like insurance and student visas! I really didn't have to worry about those finicky details. I would definitely recommend studying abroad in the fall semester, when everyone is first finding new friends, than spring semester, though. I definitely struggled to immerse myself with the other British students, as most of them had already found their social cliques for the year, and wound up hanging out with other study abroad students most of the time. Regardless, living in downtown London was wonderful and IFSA really prepared me for the academics, the culture shock, and everything else I might need.

King's College London has a great location. You will hear this repeatedly, because it is the most obvious compliment to credit the university with. Commute, alone, from flats to classrooms, is surreal. Rain or shine, the Big Ben looming over the River Thames is a sight to behold. I thought my classes were fascinating. If you go to them, you are more likely to enjoy the study abroad experience as a whole. Participating in seminars is a choice, but the more you engage, the more it's going to feel like you're actually part of the King's community. At times, it can all be overwhelming. Trying to find where your courses are going to taught, calling maintenance to clean a flooded bathroom, and forgetting to top off your Oyster card is part of figuring out life in London, life at King's. King's College London, overall, provided me with an interesting education, made up of a wide variety of classes, and placed me in the heart of the "world's capital". The university hosts many events, schedules talks from well credited scholars, and is the home of several clubs and societies. If you want to make the most it, King's will take care of the rest.