Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Economics, Political Science, Wellesley College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience gave me a new perspective on my studies at Wellesley and deepened my academic interests, mainly because of the regional focus of the program. I gained a fuller appreciation not only of my host country but also of my Wellesley experience and developed a clearer idea about my postgrad plans which might involve returning to the UK for further studies.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The overall workload was definitely lighter and more unevenly spread over the course of the semester with one or two assignments per class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a UCL residence hall, Langton Close, a 20-min walk away from the main UCL campus. Location was convenient, with two tube stations nearby, although there werne't many big groceries stores in the vicinity. Lived in a suite with 4 other suitemates, all master students. Comfortable, but really small rooms. <br /><br />

* Food:

London dining can be very expensive, therefore cooking is a good alternative and learning experience (especially since you'll probably have more free time). There were't many convenient groceries stores close to my dorm, though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Field trips to Stone Hendge, Windsor, Oxford, UCL subsidized tickets for musicals (Wicked and the Lion King)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

During my stay in London, I had to visit the local health services for flu treatment. They were accessible and helpful. No special vaccines needed.

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? My budget for food was about 70 pounds per week. Additional expenses depend on planned cultural activities (most museums are free) and travelling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Academics and classroom experience are not as heavily emphasized and rewarding and it definitely takes some extra motivation and independent studying to get a full satisfaction from the courses. (the library facilities are great, though). The program offers a good balance between studying and social life and gives you the freedom and time the explore and enjoy the numerous cultural, academic and entertainment opportunities that London has to offer.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Soviet and Russian Foreign Policy
Course Department: SESS3102B
Instructor: Alex Titov
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course offered a comprehensive analysis of contemporary Russian foreign policy (the Soviet foreign policy was covered in the fall). The lectures were structured around power-point presentations. There was some discussion component with the tutor asking questions but the main issues were debated in the tutorial section. The instructor was engaging,approachable during OH and offered a lot of feedback on the course assignments
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Growth and Convergence: With Reference to Eastern European and Russian Economics
Course Department: SESS3001
Instructor: Svetlana Makarova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Really interesting course on growth models and convergence hypotheses for the postcommunist countries. Instructor was knowledgeable and engaging. The course required basic knowledge of the statistical software Stata in growth analysis and for the required research paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Topics in Financial Management
Course Department: SESS3005
Instructor: Eugene Nivorozhkin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good introductory course to finance. Coursework included two graded psets and weekly practice questions discussed in the tutorials.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

International Trade and Finance in Russia and Eastern Europe
Course Department: SESS3002
Instructor: Miriam Manchin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very light course load with no graded coursework; covered the basic trade models with examples and case studies from Eastern Europe. Discussion-based tutorials and 3 mandatory group presentations in the end of the course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.