it's better to exchange for one semester Past Review

By (international global studies and history, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/24/2012 to 06/09/2013 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
most important difference with us education is you have to do study by yourself.

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.

academic riogr, grades are fully based on final examination, quite intense

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

nice, but a bit far from campus.

* Food:

i lived in self-catered dorm, so i cook by myself all the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

not really integrated with local students. they are not as inclusive as i thought

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

the host school healthcare system is quite supportive.

* Safety:

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)

living in london means facing a lot of distractions, musicals and movies, shopping. etc. english food are not that popular but u always have other options, expensive transportation fee!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 150 GBP
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? dine out is a huge expense for me, cook yourself if you are self-catered or dine in your hall. learn to walk a lot instead of taking tube or buses.

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
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?
  • you can integrated with local students
* What could be improved?
  • host university international office could provide more supports and reminders for important info
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i would be happier for the first month if i did not expect that much, uk students are more - do things alone style, most dorms are full with single rooms, so ppl don't really get together and chill a lot.

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.