A Fantastic & Unforgettable Experience!!! Past Review

By (Archaeology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/04/2015 to 06/13/2015 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about British and European Archaeology, and how it differs procedurally and theoretically from American archaeology. I also learned a lot about British culture that I would not have learned in the US.

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.

The structure, difficulty, and intensity of the grading and teaching methods seemed to be fair and appropriate for a university, although the system was quite different from what I was used to at a liberal arts university in the United States. Regardless, most of my professor were very friendly and helpful, and their classes were fantastic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The initial registration process for classes was a but confusing. Additionally, the submission process for assignments was a bit cumbersome and excessive, being that it requires submission to the department, followed by an 2-stage anonymous grading procedure, but I think that is more of a country-wide phenomena rather than an issue exclusive to that school. The only other major complaint have was that the university failed to keep their course listings on their web page for study-abroad students up to date with their actual course listings, resulting in me having to find out right upon my arrival to the university that a course I was quite looking forward to was not going to be offered that term (although the class I chose instead was also fantastic).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the most part, my dorm was fine, ad it was well-located. While I do have complaints about it, there is no need to describe them in detail, as none of them were major, and they are not issues that a study abroad program would be able to address.

* Food:

Maybe I was just not used to a living and meal-plan arrangements in the city, but I was a bit disappointed by the food quality and service provided by my residence hall, although again, since it was a university dorm, it is something the host university would have to address itself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I wouldn't use the word "integrated", I can say that I did become "aware" of many of the cultural difference between the US and London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The university health office helped me register for Britain's National Health Service (NHS), and while the only major health issue I encountered was a dental issue, using the NHS, I was able to find an excellent dental surgeon at a low cost.

* Safety:

The safety advise and warnings I was given were nothing I would not expect for a large city like London.

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)

Although food was rather expensive, it was nothing extreme for a large city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $140.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you know there is concert, festival, or any other large event you wish to attend that will be expensive, restrict yourself from unnecessary purchases beforehand to save up for it rather than afterwards, as you may end up needing the money later on.

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?
  • Making International Friends
  • Taking Part in an Archaeological Excavation
  • Going to a lot of amazing new places and events
* What could be improved?
  • Food/Meal Services
  • Class Registration Process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a bit more about how the UK Grading System worked.