Lovely London January 13, 2022

By (Universität Zürich / University of Zurich / UZH) - abroad from 09/20/2021 to 12/17/2021 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how it is to live in a different country with a whole different system. I liked seeing how the university there worked. Also, the uni organised a lot of cool things which made it quite easy to meet new people. Although I was in a different country I never felt alone thanks to that!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was a bit chaotic and I had no idea in the beginning about what to do with my courses as they were rescheduled a lot. Also, I applied for a program where exchange students and freshers can be assigned a local student who helps them, but I never got one.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were quite a lot of fire drills and alarms, otherwise I loved living on campus :)

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I think that due to the covid situation, many things were a bit chaotic. So, when I got sick I had a lot of trouble signing up with a local doctor. Also, I was redirected a lot when I had questions so in the end I didn’t even know who to call about that. It took a long time to get an appointment with a doctor, which was also really annoying as I haven’t been sick like this in a long time and the medicine I was given at pharmacies did not help at all. I was able to get some antibiotics when I called the NHS but this also took quite some time. In my home country things are organised quite differently which is why I was a bit frustrated at that time, but as I said, I also think that it was like that due to the current situation.

* Safety:

I wouldn’t walk around alone at night, and I have friends who got their belongings stolen, so I think it’s just important to be observant. And people shouldn’t walk around with their phone in their hands.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100£
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the welcome fair!! For food: Too good to go (app), and generelly cooking at home is cheaper,

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? CAE First
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just talk to everyone

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Meeting people from all over the world
  • Studying at a different university
  • Living on campus
* What could be improved?
  • Organisation of uni courses
  • Students should get more information on health related things
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing comes to my mind, sorry

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!