Tell me more:
A wonderful semester at SOAS
Direct Enrollment: London - University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies
Program Information
SOAS is unique: It is the only university in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It has grown to become one of the world’s leading institutions with an enviable reputation. SOAS is an exceptionally cosmopolitan and vibrant university based in the heart of London. With more t... More
| Provider: | Direct Enrollment |
| Location(s): | London, The United Kingdom |
| Year Founded: | |
| Website | N/A |
Review By:
Esther I. (International Relations/Political Science, Wellesley College) on March 01, 2011
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2010-10-04 |
| * End Date: | 2010-12-17 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In general my expectation of my abroad experience was that I would learning nothing substantial and that I would "play" a lot. However, I was quite surprised at the amount and quality of information I was learning. I also felt like the different perspectives that the classes had on topics I've previously studied really challenged the way that I think about and analyze issues. I think however the course assessment was overwhelming. I realize time management is important in preparing for the final assessments--however I think the system is unrealistic and only fosters poor quality work. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the administrators of the study abroad program were very helpful but the school's administration itself was less than desirable and inefficient. Also as I mentioned earlier, I think that the study abroad final assessment for term 1 students was overwhelming. I know that the student has to take initiative and manage time effectively-- but I think that is unrealistic for a study abroad student who has to adjust to new a program/system. I also think it fostered poor quality academic work. |
| * Housing: |
I was very satisfied with my living arrangements. I think that the location was excellent and accessible both to the school and to enjoy London. I also thought that it was great living with students who were just starting out--it was good to be able to transition together and bond over the experience. I also really liked the fact that study abroad students were mixed with the local students. I don't think I would've had the opportunity to make as many local friends as I did otherwise. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Wellesley College prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I don't think I really thought about the real implications of the exchange rate and how much of a difference there is between USD and GBP. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Have a general vision for what you want out of a study abroad experience before you leave so that you are not disappointed or overwhelmed when you get there. Be open-minded! |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | Yes. I learned a lot academically and personally through this experience. I also made wonderful friendships that I think will last a long time. I was glad that I took the chance and put myself out there to experience it. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Conflict and Development |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Niels Hahn |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I really enjoyed this class and found it to offer fresh perspectives to me as an American student of political science. |
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| Course Name/Rating: |
East Asian Development Revisited |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Dae-oup Chang |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I thought this course did an excellent job of addressing the development experience of East Asia and did well to dispel the sensational angle that is often taken in respect to the topic. It provided a pragmatic approach to understanding the specific and unique factors of East Asian development. |
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Nationalism, Ethnicity, and State and Asia and Africa |
| Course Department: | Politics |
| Instructor: | Bhavna Dave |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I think the course provided me with a solid foundation on key writings about nationalism and ethnicity. I thought however the discussions were a little forced and were structured so that it was very awkward. |
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