Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., SUNY - Binghamton) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the greatest experience of my life and I feel bad for students that do not do it. If finances are an issue, do an exchange program! London is my favorite city and so living there for nearly 6 months was a dream come true.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In England the teaching style is different. I appreciated learning in a different manner but did not appreciate the little-to-no feedback in my academic performances. As English teaching is different from American, students are marked on one to two assignments (at the most) which determine the students' whole grade in a course. Many times the student has no idea where he/she stands in a course, as the professors or tutors do not give grades back so a student can improve.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The building was not in the best shape, but the location was absolutely incredible. I could not have been more centralized in London. I would live in the building again for that location! <br /><br />

* Food:

Produce is much less expensive in England. Despite the currency conversions when I first moved to London (1.6) food was always really affordable.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I budgeted myself so when I was in London I would spend no more than 30 pounds/week on food (including eating out). Since I lived so centrally, I was able to walk to most places I wanted to go to so I saved on public transportation. London can be affordable if you make the effort.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There really weren't any

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Linguistics of Sign Languages

Course Department: Division of Psychology: Language Sciences PLIN 7308
Instructor: Adam Schembri
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This module was incredible. If a student has a background in linguistics and an interest in Sign languages, he/she will benefit greatly. The information is fascinating and the rotation of lecturers include Deaf academics. All together, this class was wonderful.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not that I am aware of at this point.
Course Name/Rating:

History of Renaissance Art

Course Department: History of Art Department
Instructor: Gilly Hatch
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not only was this class interesting, but we spent every class at a different museum. The only time we spent in a classroom was the first day when Gilly explained how the course works. This class was a great cultural and educational experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not that I am aware of.