Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great School--Questionable Support Past Review

By (Sociology and Anthropology, Elmhurst University) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my own travel style, I learned about the English education system, I learned a lot about Politics and IR

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.

There isn't as much work as American school. Your grade relies on a few papers and maybe an exam. The grading system for International Students is pretty watered down from normal QM standards.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Non-existent. The study abroad office has very little support for students once they arrive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Single room on campus, kitchen was well stocked.

* Food:

Definitely opt to cook your own and avoid The Curve...the food is awful and doesn't really change. It's also very spicey.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I worked with the Career Centre's QProjects scheme which gave me a volunteer position at a local youth centre. Other than that one day each week, I felt pretty isolated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues.

* Safety:

London's totally safe--the East End may look rough, but it's fine.

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)

I was saving for a summer trip so I didn't really spend too much in London

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't penny-pinch. It's not worth it.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Housing was great
  • QProjects was a saviour
  • London is an excellent city
* What could be improved?
  • Provide more support to the new students
  • More fellowship opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The modules at QM run for a whole year. If you are a Spring student, you will be joining a group of people who have already been meeting for 4 months.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!