Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Breezy Academics, Fantastic Life Experience Past Review

By (English Language and Literature and Russian, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/22/2014 to 06/21/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I learned what it is like to cook for myself. I am now comfortable traveling alone. The easier academic schedule allowed me to spend a total of three months traveling through Europe where I met loads of amazing people. I loved my overall experience.

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.

Part of it may have been the transition from a small liberal arts college to a large university, but I did not find the majority of my professors engaging and I did not feel academically challenged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had little contact with any administration and when I was confused about a certain issue I wasn't sure who to contact.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was fantastic but the facilities were not. We only had one working shower for ten of us, the sink in the bathroom didn't work the whole year, and it was freezing in the winter because there was zero insulation.

* Food:

I cooked for myself and ate out so this doesn't reflect the food quality of the catered halls.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved Camden Town and London in general. There was always something new to do and all sorts of different people to meet.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easy to register for the NHS and I filled prescriptions and got seen when I was ill. The only thing is the really really long waits to be seen the same day and all appointments had to be scheduled way in advance.

* Safety:

I lived in the "sketchy" part of London, but I never truly felt unsafe.

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 a very expensive city and even though I tried to be frugal I often went over my limit. Transportation and food really add up.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk everywhere. Plan your schedule around walking because public transportation will cost you and there's a good chance you'll be late. Also take advantage of student deals for food and going out.

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?
  • Location. London is fantastic
  • Proximity to the rest of Europe
  • Swimming for UCLU
* What could be improved?
  • Housing. But the rest is just my general preference for small colleges over large universities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How academics work in the UK and what kind of work will be expected of me. I also wish I had thought to look up international student events before arriving. Orientation was a lot more off hands than I expected. Although this is something I could have very easily found out about with a little more preparation.

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 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.