Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

England doesn't have climate it only has weather Past Review

By (Economics and environmental studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the great diversity of people that you meet. It was exciting to experience a different classroom environment and different college structure.

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.

Classes at Queen Mary only meet once per week for 1 hour or 2 hours followed with a tutotial that usually lasts about an hour. So the amount of face time with professors is very little. the course work was very independent and almost all of the grade was based upon 2 exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad office was very prompt in their response, but I had some issues with course selection before I started courses and it was very frustrating trying to get all my courses selected.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat with 8 other people. I had my own room with a bathroom and fridge with a shared kitchen.

* Food:

I mainly cooked for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is a little hard to interact with the students in my classes just because I see them so little. Also its harder to make friends during spring semester when the local students have already made friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any major health problems.

* Safety:

London is very safe. I have traveled at night alone and never had an issues, the public transportation is very reliable and also very frequent. I have not had any instances

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 to live in. I could spend on average 40 pounds a week on groceries. In addition riding the subway can be quite expensive as well as additional travel to places around the UK and Europe.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at more local stores near the neighborhood rather than large supermarkets. The food is fresher and cheapers. Tescos is always cheaper than Sainsbury. Get a National Railway pass when you get to London. its a one time 30 pound fee, but you will get 30% off all subway rides and any train tickets you pruchase to places around the UK like cambridge or oxford. Also purchase a National Express card (bus service for travel around UK and Europe) you will get a 30% discount on all bus travel and National Express is the most popular service used to go from college campuses to any of the 3 airports around London.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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?
  • Orientation Programs
  • Dorm Room
  • Location in London
* What could be improved?
  • Structured Class Registration
  • More study abroad and local student integration
  • Information about banking
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to avoid all of the large transaction costs of using a foreign bank account.

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.