Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

11 Countries in 1 Semester Past Review

By (Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2013 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?
I gained increased independence and comfortability while traveling last semester. This experience was absolutely worthwhile, and though I enjoyed my time at SOAS, it was most valuable because of how easily and cheaply I was able to travel between countries. I appreciated how different SOAS was from Wellesley, and that I was able to meet people from all over the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I often felt that the SOAS administration was not very organized, though the study abroad office certainly made an effort to assure us that our needs would be met while at SOAS. Sophie was a great resource.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dinwiddy, where most Study Abroad students stay, is adequate. But often times when things break (i.e. showers), it takes some time to get them addressed or fixed.

* 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 badly cut my hand one day in Dinwiddy, and received conflicting advice from the security team downstairs. In hindsight, I should have definitely been advised to visit the emergency room.

* Safety:

Be aware that London is a city and to make sure that friends walk home with other friends at night.

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep in mind that London is a very expensive city, and that traveling on weekends and breaks will be where some of your budget goes.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • 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?
  • Diverse/Specific Courses
  • Location
  • Helpful Study Abroad Coordinator
* What could be improved?
  • Lectures
  • Quality of Housing
  • SOAS Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that students do not typically read most of the material prior to attending lectures, and that the tutorials are what is most important to be present for.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.