Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London is a great city to study in Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 01/05/2012 to 06/09/2012 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself. I grew into a lot of things as a person, and I learned to love a culture that's different from my own and feel at home in it. It was 100% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics are very different here - there's less class time and more focus on doing independent research. It's harder because more of your grade rests on fewer assignments, but gives you more free time during the semester itself.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On campus and en-suite. My flat was excellent, and the kitchen facilities were great.

* Food:

It's self-catering, and the on-campus eateries aren't all that special.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Flatmates were a mix of American and British, and classes were mostly all British (depends on the course though). It was a little difficult because most of the program participants were American, however, if you want to travel and such, mostly Americans will want to travel as well.

* 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? 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)

London is expensive and transportation eats up a lot of the budget. Self-catering is cheap if you cook, not if you eat out.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of free things going on in London, and it's always free to walk around. For all of the touristy things you want to do, there's student discounts and sometimes you can get in really cheap with a library card (to the Tower of London, I think).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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?
  • Language culture of the UK
  • London's location and the ability to take a train to Wales, Scotland, and any other city in the country.
  • Little workload during the semester that affords travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • More trips organized through the Study Abroad Office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to stress out about the workload so much, and don't freak out about how the grading system is different. It all converts in the end.