Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SOAS Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/25/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that other schools do things different from Wellesley so we don't have to take things we don't like about Wellesley at face value because we can try to change them, because other schools are doing it. I.e. a more active college government, more active social life and activist culture

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Self catered

* 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)

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

  • 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?
  • The classes
  • Fewer assessment than at Wellesley
  • Lively student body and activist culture
* What could be improved?
  • There wasn't much effort to integrate study abroad students in the wider SOAS community unless you joined a student club. I wish I had gotten to know more regular SOAS students because it was a lot easier to meet fellow study abroad students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I should put more of an active effort into meeting regular SOAS students rather than just sticking with my fellow study abroad students.

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!