A wonderful semester at SOAS Past Review

By Esther I (International Relations/Political Science, Wellesley College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes. I learned a lot academically and personally through this experience. I also made wonderful friendships that I think will last a long time. I was glad that I took the chance and put myself out there to experience it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	In general my expectation of my abroad experience was that I would learning nothing substantial and that I would "play" a lot. However, I was quite surprised at the amount and quality of information I was learning. I also felt like the different perspectives that the classes had on topics I've previously studied really challenged the way that I think about and analyze issues. I think however the course assessment was overwhelming. I realize time management is important in preparing for the final assessments--however I think the system is unrealistic and only fosters poor quality work.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I think the administrators of the study abroad program were very helpful but the school's administration itself was less than desirable and inefficient. Also as I mentioned earlier, I think that the study abroad final assessment for term 1 students was overwhelming. I know that the student has to take initiative and manage time effectively-- but I think that is unrealistic for a study abroad student who has to adjust to new a program/system. I also think it fostered poor quality academic work.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was very satisfied with my living arrangements. I think that the location was excellent and accessible both to the school and to enjoy London. I also thought that it was great living with students who were just starting out--it was good to be able to transition together and bond over the experience. I also really liked the fact that study abroad students were mixed with the local students. I don't think I would've had the opportunity to make as many local friends as I did otherwise.
* 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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I don't think I really thought about the real implications of the exchange rate and how much of a difference there is between USD and GBP.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None

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 Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Have a general vision for what you want out of a study abroad experience before you leave so that you are not disappointed or overwhelmed when you get there. Be open-minded!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Nationalism, Ethnicity, and State and Asia and Africa
Course Department:	Politics
Instructor:	Bhavna Dave
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I think the course provided me with a solid foundation on key writings about nationalism and ethnicity. I thought however the discussions were a little forced and were structured so that it was very awkward.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	East Asian Development Revisited
Course Department:
Instructor:	Dae-oup Chang
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I thought this course did an excellent job of addressing the development experience of East Asia and did well to dispel the sensational angle that is often taken in respect to the topic. It provided a pragmatic approach to understanding the specific and unique factors of East Asian development.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Conflict and Development
Course Department:
Instructor:	Niels Hahn
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I really enjoyed this class and found it to offer fresh perspectives to me as an American student of political science.
Credit Transfer Issues: