It Was Amazing January 22, 2023

By (Biochemistry, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2022 to 01/07/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I felt that I got to understand the entire world better, I got to better understand the roots of Western civilization. I got to meet people from completely different background from my own. I got to express myself freely and discover who I am away from the communities I used to be surrounded by. I learned so much about myself, the world, other people, and how to be a better human being. It was hands down one of the best things I've done in my time at college.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were enjoyable. Being approved for level 6 genetics class was needlessly difficult I felt. My courses prepared me just fine for the level 6 material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Facilities at Wolfson House were completely out of function for multiple days in a year -- none of the toilets would work and I'd have to use public ones. That is inexcusable.

* Food:

No food was provided by my study abroad university, I fended for myself in that regard. The kitchens were messy and dirty all the time making it hard to cook for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Complete integration/immersion, which was what I wanted.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I'm glad the NHS provides free medical care. The program didn't handle any of the health issues I experienced, I just went straight to the NHS.

* Safety:

Hold on to your phone at all times, people will sometimes try to snatch it from you.

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

I wanted a truly immersive experience that would allow me to live like a local student in London, I wanted to be in the center of the city, which was just what this experience provided. I had an incredible time. I like that the school doesn't interfere too much in your experience -- you're enrolled in the classes (which I really enjoyed) but outside of that your time is yours to make use of however you want. That sense of freedom was really amazing.

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? Try as much as you can to cook at home, it will be hard though due to shared kitchen spaces. You can also try looking for your own apartment or figuring out a way to have your own kitchen space. Some of the Kings accomodations have less people sharing a kitchen than others which could help. Wolfson House is the cheapest but some of the set ups have 14 people sharing a kitchen which can get a bit much.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Freedom
  • Center of London
  • Local Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • financial support
  • housing accomodations
  • food access
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked to have known that there is no meal plan so you have to cook for yourself or buy your own meals. I would have maybe brought some supplies with me or budgeted more for this.

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.