Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in King's College London's Theology and Religious Studies Department Past Review

By (Religion and Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 05/30/2014 with

King's College London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent and how to navigate a city. I learned how to cook my own meals, and how to help build community through cooking.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Religion department of King's College London is a vibrant community. The class options and professors are all great. The quality of discussion in seminar is not the same as at Wellesley, but the content of classes and learning experience is quite good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was little on-site administration, but there were study abroad programs, and a relatively thorough orientation at the beginning of January for new study abroad students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with first years gives study abroad students a chance to meet new friends and interact with students still adjusting to King's (just like you!)

* Food:

Get to make your own food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you make an effort to make friends with people in your classes/accommodation then you will easily integrate into English society.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I signed up for the NHS, and it was wonderful. I was sick a few times in the 6 months I was there, and I was taken care of free of charge. When I prepared to go to Asia from London, I was able to get most of my vaccinations through the NHS.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in London due to the regular public transportation and amount of street lights.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

London is very expensive, and to buy food and be able to go out with friends at least once in a while is very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? at least 100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your finances every day.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living in London
  • Experiencing the culture
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • The orientation program
  • The seminars
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go out lots in the earlier months with local friends, because "study season/exam season" is from late April to the end of May.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!