Living and Learning in London Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2019 to 06/08/2019 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program wasn't as academy fulfilling as I had hoped it would be, however it was great for personal growth and development.

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.

Despite it being a highly ranked school, I found the class structure to be disorganized. Overall, I didn't feel challenged in classes, mainly just pressured as the entire grade was dependent on one exam or essay as opposed to multiple assignments throughout the term.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my accommodation, as I was right by the station and also surrounded by multiple restaurants, and stores.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would choose to study abroad in a smaller city in a smaller program.

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)

I lived in a flat and was able to make my own meals which definitely saved me a lot. However, with so much to do around the city, as well as the cost of traveling, it was hard to be on a budget at times.

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
  • 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
  • Proximity to Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Course registration process
  • Course structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A better explanation of the course registration process.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.