An experience that was fun, empowering, rigorous, and enlightening. Past Review

By (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/16/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the biggest positives for me was the the classes were a real eye opener into what I wanted to study, and they were incredibly worthwhile. On the cultural side of things it reinforced the idea that people are really the same, as it was pretty easy to connect with students their.

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.

There are some very challenging classes, I would try to avoid too many of them or all of your time will be spent studying.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Pretty good, very beuracratic, making payments was not the easiest thing in the world. Registering for courses as an abroad student is fairly easy if done early and correctly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice dorms, food is ok, not too expensive, very central London, good atmosphere, nice living with English students

* Food:

London has great food, obviously expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mostly met Americans and other foreign study abroad kids in the dorms, whereas the best integration was to be found by joining clubs and societies. London is a great city but definitely try to get out into the country side!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great, I was allowed access to their health center which I used once.

* Safety:

Great, they led a safety session at the beginning. I encountered no safety issues. Central London is pretty good if you're smart. I didn't hear of any issues other students had. Dorms are incredibly secure.

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? 200 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying food and alcohol at grocery stores is much cheaper, avoid buying drinks at the pubs, very expensive! Also buy flights in advance. Generally you won't need to buy books, they're all in the library. The tube is convenient but expensive, I found I was able to spend less than 20 pounds on the tube each week, this is very easy if you live close to campus, that is essential.

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?
  • Foreign Friends and Social Opportunities
  • London and Traveling Europe
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • Examination procedure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really, a more complete calendar so that planning could be done more effectively.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Game Theory

Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Nikita
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging, Lots of information, very large class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Economics

Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Speilman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great small class professors were incredibly involved.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Spread of Conflict

Course Department: SPS
Instructor: Mitternich
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Development

Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Basically read paper and then came into class and was talked at. Lectures added very little.
Credit Transfer Issues: