Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Two jobs, 8 classes, and countless cups of amazing coffee Past Review

By (Anthropology., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/30/2013 to 06/13/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a newfound confidence in my ability to adapt to different situations, and also the savoir faire to navigate large cities. UCL pushed me out of my comfort zone in terms of it being such a large institution, but I was able to navigate the school without feeling lost or disconnected. It was very worth it, and I've decided that London is where I'd like to go back for graduate school.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the anthropology department at UCL incredibly approachable, and my classes were all rigorous. The professors were very knowledgable, and while UCL is significantly larger than Wellesley, I was able to get to know professors; one even helped me get an internship in the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I cooked for myself.

* 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? 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)

London is unapologetically expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £150 (over $200)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Waitrose is the nicest supermarket chain in London, but also the priciest. Go to Sainsbury's and Tescos for the products you buy in bulk/most frequently. And always ask about student discounts in cafes.

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?
  • Location
  • Classes
  • People I lived with
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to have been provided with a small stipend from Wellesley to help cover a small amount of my costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to plan traveling better; I was a bit unorganized when it came to going to other countries, so I didn't see as much of Europe as I wanted to.

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!