Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A taste of Europe Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained insight into the perspectives and experiences of an entirely different population than my own. While I did not go somewhere that required that I use a foreign language, I was able to take classes on subjects I had studied at home, but explore them from a completely different perspective. Through studies and travels, I gained a deeper understanding of my place as an American in the context of our greater world. I also gained a much greater knowledge and understanding of a a variety of countries I had never set foot in prior to my study abroad experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics at UCL are kind of across the board. I really enjoyed the experience of learning in a new context and with a new perspective. For example, I took a class on inequality that examined root causes of inequality in the UK, which was fascinating because I've only ever learned about it in the context of the US. However, the structure of the calendar is a bit overwhelming. Classes run for 10 weeks and, though class generally only meets once a week, you are only graded based on, at most, 2 assignments. As such, there are major lulls when there is almost no work, and then peaks when everyone crams to finish papers, etc. It is also challenging because the process for returning exam/paper feedback is quite slow, so you may not have feedback on your first paper before handing in the second.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at UCL is difficult to deal with. While they do generally respond to emails, they are often slow and it can be hard to know which office to be in touch with. Fortunately, you should not need to deal with the administration much except for the first few weeks.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed my UCL housing. I lived in a single in a catered hall and it was very nice. I had a good amount of space, a safe building, and had breakfast/dinner provided every weekday which was extremely helpful in giving me more time to do other things.

* Food:

I didn't eat much in the UCL refractory or other campus eateries, but the food in my hall was decent (standard dorm fare).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated with the local culture. It certainly helped that there was no language adjustments. Certainly by the end of my time at UCL I felt like I belonged.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not utilize health services.

* Safety:

I felt very safe a t UCL. My hall was safe (with 24 hour security) and the area around UCL is generally very safe.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately 100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food in the grocery store and cook as much as possible. Take buses rather than the tube when you can. Look online for online discounts for admissions tickets, etc.

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

N/A

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Native Speaker
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? N/A

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 opportunity to take classes with normal UCL students and not be isolated with only study abroad students
  • The ability to explore a new city and become a local of sorts in such a short time
  • The opportunity to travel around Europe. While this was not distinctly a part of this particular program, the ability to see so many new places in one short period was absolutely amazing.
* What could be improved?
  • The UCL administration could be much more responsive/supportive of affiliate students
  • More information could be provided about the structure of the semester (the UCL academic calendar is very different from the American one)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how many American students and how few students from other countries study abroad at UCL. I also wish I had known how difficult the administration is to deal with.