The Most Amazing, Life-Changing Experience! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/16/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

King's College London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was absolutely worthwhile. I learned about how much I'd grown since coming to college. I was able to be more independent and live in a city I'd always wanted to live in. I made lifelong friends, became closer to family living in the area, and got to solidify what I want to do in the future.

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.

All of my professors were supportive and willing to meet with me outside of class to work through issues. Most of my peers were third year students (and thus had a very solid understanding of how things worked at King's), but my professors were always willing to walk me through what I didn't know. Courses were academically rigorous (lots of reading!) but manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I knew that support was there if I needed it, but I never used it. It was good to know I had a safety net, though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was right in the middle of London! I made lifelong friends with the people in my flat. There was lots of security, and pretty much anything I would want to see or do was within walking distance or a short trip away on public transport.

* Food:

Food was not provided, but kitchen facilities were good and there were lots of dining out options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was so hard to come home!! I miss the city and the people I met every day. Hoping to move there after graduation!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health issues.

* Safety:

I was in London during the London Bridge terror attack, but King's locked down their buildings quickly. There were muggings and stabbings near the area where I lived, but that's just part of living in a major city.

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

I loved living in London. The city was so amazing, from the museums to the food to the friends that I made.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Lidl or one of the larger Sainsbury's or Waitroses (NOT the "locals" - those cost a little more). Budget for eating out occasionally, and be aware that the tube is expensive. Buses are a better value, and you can get great views of the city.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Friends I made
  • The city itself
  • Taking courses I wouldn't be able to at home
* What could be improved?
  • Connections to home institution
  • Meet up of students from home institution during first few weeks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How quickly time would fly.