Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I want to live in London someday Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 06/08/2012 with

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my self and I also became extremely independent. I loved London and hope to live there if the future will allow it. It was definitely a worthwhile experience, and although I missed Wellesley dearly, I would strongly encourage everyone to study abroad for at least once semester.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It's manageable, but London is such an expensive place to live in general.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100+ GBP per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes, I would advice them not to sign up for catered housing. Halls of residence with dining halls are mostly for first-years and the dining halls are only open early in the morning for breakfast and early in the evening for dinner WEEKDAYS ONLY. For lunch and weekends, you're on your own, so I ended up grocery shopping and cooking for myself anyway.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • I liked getting to meet other local students.
* What could be improved?
  • The first day I arrived, I had to run straight to orientation, and I had no idea how to get there or where to go when I finally figured it out. When I asked the inquiry office, they were not very helpful. I just wish there could have been more clear instructions on getting there and where to go.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not knowing who things work and where you are is a part of life, and it's important not to stress out too much about things that you don't have control over.