Direct Enrollment: London - University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies Photo

SOAS: Exciting and Learning

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:

Viveka B. (History, Wellesley College) on October 12, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2011-01-11
* End Date: 2011-06-09
If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I feel that it is not possible to compare as in England anything above a 70 is considered a good grade while here we work on letter grades.n

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SOAS needs to improve professor availibilty to students. It was nearly impossible to contact or meet professors.

* Housing:

* Food:

N/A

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

N/A

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

London is quite a safe city as long as you do not roam around late at night without anyone. The bus system is fantastic.

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Wellesley College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? London is an expensive city so about 80 pinds.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The international environment of SOAS
* What could be improved?
  • The Professor-Student contact
* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? N/A