Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning in Londontown Past Review

By (International Relations - History, Environmental Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning in a different educational system was valuable. I met some amazing people, and a few have become some of my best friends. Traveling was important and wonderful as well. I think dealing with my depression truly alone without the support of Wellesley and my friends was the hardest thing. However, learning from it was truly amazing, and I hope it means I can continue learning and improving.

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 history courses I took were excellent. The professors were kind and knowledgeable and the reading material was interesting. However, the education system is a very big change, and I would say the only thing that was problematic for me was the lack of discussion in many of my classes. In addition, a political science and spanish courses I took was very disjointed, as the assignments and the class sessions were often unrelated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was very little guidance from UCL. I wish that they had more opportunities to get to know people, and had made available more resources clearly. However, in general, the history department which I was enrolled in was incredibly kind and willing to meet with you whenever you needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great! I met some great people. I guess the only thing was that it was difficult to meet British students because often the housing was separate. And also my house in general, Goldsmid, had some problems in relation to the internet and washing machines.

* Food:

I cooked most of the time, but it was still quite expensive. If you find nice places, there are great places to eat out that aren't horridly expensive too!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was very little integration, unfortunately. I became friends with other American and other International students. Housing and activities just naturally separate the British students from the other students. Also, London culture I would say is not a huge leap from other Western modern cultures, particularly if you are from a big city in the US. So because it was not a big change perhaps is also why I didnt feel as integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was easy enough to access. I have depression and getting medication was fine. But when I wanted to access CBT or talking therapy, the waiting lists made it impossible. And my doctor at the GPP was fine, but she was unwilling to make personal connections, which makes sense because of the sheer number of students. Still, because of that, she was unwilling to change my medication dosage and our appointments were severely limited.

* 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)

Very difficult. London is incredibly expensive.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook! Try not to eat out, and if you do go to the amazing markets instead of restaurants. Travel, but book a lot in advance. If you have to take the tube, get a student Oyster and buy passes. If you can walk, walk! It is the best way to get to know the city.

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?
  • Friends
  • Travel
  • Education
* What could be improved?
  • Support, in terms of community and mental health
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I need to be more proactive about my mental ilness and not be embarassed to seek out support.

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.