IFSA Queen Mary, University London Partnership

This program, overall, was a wonderful experience. As an English major, the program was large and had many wonderful courses to choose from, but the workload wasn't too much and allowed me to explore and travel a lot. IFSA itself offered a lot of cool interactive activities and was always very supportive when I needed anything!

I loved studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London! IFSA made the experience seamless and easy. Their program provided an orientation to help students get acquainted with London and my new university. The orientation went over health, safety, money and academics. It really helped me feel comfortable in a new country. Throughout my study abroad experience, IFSA had lots of fun, interactive programs. IFSA sponsored a trip to the Lake District and many other experiences around London. The trip to the Lake District was amazing, this area of England is beautiful and I'm so glad that IFSA organized this trip to allow all of the students to travel! Another one of my favorite experiences was a street art tour through Shoreditch which IFSA sponsored. It was really fun to learn about the local London artists. I also had a mentor from the IFSA staff who would come to campus every month to check in with the students. My mentor ensured that I was happy with my academics and living situation (in addition to being super friendly)! Overall, I was very happy with my study abroad experience.

What I remembered the most from my abroad experience is my role as an international correspondent for IFSA. I wrote stories and pictures every two weeks to document my own and others' study abroad experience. I have improved my writing skills, communication skills and interview skills tremendously out of this experience. It was also a great opportunity for me to reflect my journey as I go. I'd strongly recommend people to apply for this work-to-study scholarship!