SOAS: Poles Apart from Wellesley Past Review
By Mannat J (History, Classical Civilisation, Wellesley College) for
SOAS, University of London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, my program was definitely worthwhile. I gained experience in a very different academic milieu, one that I enjoyed greatly. I plan to go back to the UK to pursue further education, because I have benefited from the more open environment that prevails in its institutions. Discussions were, in my opinion, of more value because of students' willingness to participate. Professors were available to us, but the system forces students to take on responsibility. Socially as well, I certainly had a very fulfilling year.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically, the UK varies considerably from US colleges. The workload is similar, but students are not monitored as closely, and thus must take on more responsibility. They are required to be resourceful and explore libraries and other sources of information themselves. Help is often close at hand, but it is the student's prerogative. I enjoyed this modus operandi greatly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SOAS, and the University of London in general and administered very differently from what American college students are used to. There is more running-around to do on the student's part, but the ropes are not hard to learn. Staff is usually friendly and helpful. There was a study-abroad office whose staff was available to us at all times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I rented a flat independently. The London housing market is a hostile environment, so this was not the easiest thing to do, but I greatly enjoyed my independence, and would recommend the experience if students are able to organise themselves for it. |
| * Food: |
Dining in London is expensive, and the cheapest way to eat is to cook for yourself. I often packed lunch. There are, however, several inexpensive public cafeterias in central London such as the Indian YMCA, Quaker Centre etc. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
All residents are covered under the National Health Services in the UK and need not even be medically assured. NHS consultations are free of charge. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Rent in London is frightfully high - about £600 per month. I spent about £100 a month on food. Many student discounts are available for transport etc. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None. |
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
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students seeking an academically enriching environment, and those who are keen to explore resources and use the city and institution to their advantage will benefit most from this program. They should expect to do some ground-work on their own. |
