Independent Learning/Exploration Past Review

By (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an experience in independent living and got the chance to explore London and other European cities/countries on my own terms. It was definitely worthwhile, and I would recommend this experience to people interested in getting a more independent experience not dictated by a program or their home university.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

Great housing but quite far from campus. Also would have preferred a living situation with a communal kitchen rather than having one inside what is essentially the bedroom

* Food:

N/A, a meal plan was not included in my housing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A, never needed healthcare

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200

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
  • 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?
  • Freedom
  • Ability to travel
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • Student support w/logistic issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the experience would be a lot more about the city than about the school itself - I think my experience would have been similar regardless of which London University I chose, for me it was less about the program and almost entirely about London itself.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.