Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fall at UCL Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/01/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Experienced a very different education system and school that was big and had no traditional campus. The city enhanced my time there, and I took advantage of museums. Was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Little contact with lecturers/instructors, little discussion in most classes, but were interesting topics and overall a new and positive experience

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Often unresponsive, and I still have not received marks for my semester abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Was not catered

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not use resources there, but I don't believe single-semester affiliates were offered healthcare

* 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)

I was not catered in my dorm, so had to spend a lot on food. Transportation also expensive.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Many stores offer discounts if you show your student ID card.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
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 school/students
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • Timing of the semester (very hectic; work not spaced out evenly)
  • Responsiveness/information provided by local school administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Expectations for writing style and work can be very different.

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!