Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had fun ! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2016 to 12/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can thrive anywhere. It was very worthwhile and made me a little bit less scared to graduate.

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.

My classes were large but my instructors were very intelligent and well-meaning. I had a difficult time adjusting to the quality of instruction because of my experience at Wellesley with the amazing professors I have had here. But overall, it was good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't have a super great experience when registering for classes, and I received little to no information in advance of coming to the UK. I also was told I hadn't received housing for the fall, then heard back about two weeks before I moved to the UK that I had some. As a low-income person this was really stressful because I couldn't afford London rent and was worried I would be homeless or would have to return home for a semester and not go to school.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were nice and had a great community, but there were definitely some roaches. The administration was great about giving us whatever we needed though, and were very responsive.

* Food:

I made my own food, and I really enjoyed the self-catered lifestyle.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really liked living among the Brits, and I think they liked me back.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with healthcare, I did not get sick while I was there.

* Safety:

London always felt very safe, but it is a city. I always had a buddy when I went out at night further than just to the shop around the corner.

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

I really loved all the people I met, and I made a bunch of friends that will last a lifetime ! I had so much fun and it was relaxing to be away from the study-centric environment that is Wellesley College.

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 expensive but there are lots of student nights and other ways to save money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60/week

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
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Location
  • Social scene
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't always know what was going on with my uni, and they weren't very communicative
  • Overcrowding in my classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been more savvy about living in another country, I didn't really plan ahead. I could have opened a bank account ahead of time, or something. I also didn't have access to internet on my phone basically the entire time I was there, which would have made things a lot easier.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'