Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overall Great Time in London Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 06/03/2016 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to live on my own. I learned about a different culture and the joys of travelling.

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 rigor of the class depends on the class chosen. Humanities classes are easier as opposed to business and science classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Generally very hands off throughout the program. They did plan events in the beginning

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the cheapest dorm so my accommodations were old and not always functioning. The more expensive dorms are better though.

* Food:

Cooked my own food. Dining hall food was alright.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult to make many local friends since I was only there 5 months.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues.

* Safety:

Depends on the part of London you are in. Mile End can get sketchy at night, but I never was fearful of my life. Campus security is pretty good.

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

Queen Mary is not in central London. I had to take in the Tube into the city everyday which ended up being a lot of money.

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. Convert in your head before you buy anything. You are going to spend more than you plan.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~ $250 - $350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Force yourself to cook more than going out. Don't shop for stuff you don't need.

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?
  • Hands off nature of administration
  • Mix of students from all around the world.
* What could be improved?
  • Quality of teaching.
  • Class sizes.
  • Dorms.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to take rigorous classes if you wanted to enjoy your study abroad experience. Spend less money on things you don't need. Explore even parts of the city and the UK.