Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Less is More Past Review

By (Cinema And Media Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2012 to 12/10/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile in that I gained a lot of life experience and independence, but I wish I had had a little more connection to the community. Perhaps it's because UCL is such a large institution, but I never really developed a sense of community with the students in my class or the department I was a part of, so I was less invested in the academics than I wanted to be. I also never want to live in a co-ed dorm ever again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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? No

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)

London is expensive regardless of how carefully you budget, unfortunately.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Honestly, I think part of the study abroad experience is being willing to part with your money for the chance to have wonderful and unique experiences, so save up BEFORE you go as opposed to during. Money = extra stress. But walk everywhere you can--especially while traveling--and make sure you have intimate knowledge of and take advantage of the public transportation systems, particularly if you have the option of a day/weekly/monthly pass.

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
  • 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?
  • Professors
  • Campus
  • Time flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Support system for international/exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not every college will be as supportive of you as an individual as Wellesley, so you do really have to learn to blaze your own trail.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.