An excellent opportunity to hone my language skills whilst enjoying London. Past Review

By (Religion and South Asia Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

SOAS, University of London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. My language skills increased dramatically and I met a number of wonderful people/saw all the wonderful things London has to offer. All in all, I was highly pleased with my abroad experience and would certainly elect to do it all over again if I had the chance.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dinwiddy House wasn't in the cleanest of neighborhoods, but it was conveniently located near King's Cross Station.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly 80 British pounds a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money by purchasing an Oyster card for the tube (if you plan to frequently use underground transportation) and shop at chain stores like Tesco which offer the best grocery prices.

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

SOAS had an excellent Hindi department, I was very pleased with both the instructors and course offerings.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? HNUR 202
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? Sit at your desk for a few hours every day to review old assignments, current homework, course notes, etc. The more you familiarize yourself with the material being covered on a daily or weekly basis, the better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Its strong language department
  • placement in the beautiful London district of Bloomsbury
* What could be improved?
  • Student housing arrangements
  • On-campus course enrollment process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It rains all the time in London, and anytime it doesn't happen to be raining, it is generally overcast. Therefore, be prepared to face many dreary weather days, and don't allow the bleak skies to dampen your mood.

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!