Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best experiences of my life. April 19, 2021

By (Bocconi University) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 05/29/2020 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned to be more organized, more independent and more inclusive, and more inclined to have fun.

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.

I am very very happy that I was a student of Queen Mary. A university with English DNA: an inclusive environment, competent professors, kind classmates. The exams were difficult, but interesting and thanks to an excellent organization you never feel under pressure, which allows the student to live the experience and the city with tranquility.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Excellent. In addition, the Queen Mary came to me and solved some problems related to my path, showing flexibility and availability.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent, although I stayed in the residences located on campus, but in a private apartment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Excellent, I got to know many people from different countries, therefore, different cultures.

* 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

I would certainly do it again, excluding only the misfortune of a pandemic that made me last a month and a half shorter.

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)

Considering the cost of living, it is not particularly easy to live in London on a simple student budget. It would be particularly problematic or even impossible for a boy / girl who cannot count on broad support from their parents. Without a good budget a student would be forced to give up some important experiences during an exchange period abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150£
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find out carefully about events and discounts.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? B2 level - English
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Even if you are placed in a context with a majority of countrymen, commit to dialogue in English or another language that is foreign to you.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • City (overall)
  • University and courses
  • Daily and good life
* What could be improved?
  • Reduce shyness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would be less shy to start immediately in moments of important socialization by building more and more friendships.

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 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.