Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good, but not sure if I would choose this program again Past Review

By (English, Classical Civilization, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 06/07/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and resilience, which were important and worthwhile lessons to learn, although I did not like the way I had to learn them.

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.

I have mixed feelings about the academics. The English department was not my favorite - I found my lectures mixed, because different professors held different lectures. I did, however enjoy my Shakespeare seminar (not the lectures) and my personal tutor was excellent as well. The Greek and Latin department was good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not feel incredibly oriented after the two day introduction. It covered the bare bones, but did not make me feel like I belonged in the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rating is higher because of the proximity to the campus and central London. Other than that, I had some issues: my food was stolen several times, the toilets in my hall never seemed to work, it was dirty, and it was not accessible, which was a problem when I broke my foot and was on crutches.

* Food:

The food in my residence hall was terrible (hence the low rating). Although breakfast was standard enough, I eventually turned to getting my own. I kept getting sick from dinner. I felt uncomfortable that my the dining hall workers served us only certain amounts of food and would not allow us to have seconds - clearly they cooked for very specific amounts of people. Eventually, I began to buy my own food, which, while more expensive, was a better choice for me, and most of the food I bought for myself was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had the unfortunate experience of breaking my foot during my stay in London. I did register with a GP during the first week, which was a good move. While UCL's practice was quite nice and advised me to go to the hospital, I had some other issues. I found that I was not able to actually speak with my doctor on the phone and had to go through secretaries (at one point I tried to make a request for a doctor, and the secretary had to email him, wait for a response, and call me back with it).

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you commute frequently, get a student Oyster card, which will work not only on the tube, but most aspects of the transport system.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Good access to resources and social events
  • Excellent tutors and seminars
* What could be improved?
  • Quality of dorms
  • Better student orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did not realize how little help from the university I would have to adjust to UCL and to London. I was not prepared to be thrown into the semester without much help.

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!