Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Definitely recommend Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 06/22/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My favorite part was traveling. I would choose a different program if I could do it all over again just so I could improve on my French or Spanish, but this is just a matter of personal goals / preference. Living in London was super fun as well.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The costs for room and board do not include a meal plan, so I had to eat out or cook every meal. This was not that big of a problem because the city has lots of restaurants and markets, but it definitely cost more than what I usually spend on food in America.

* 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? 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)

It's not IMPOSSIBLE to live on a student's budget in London, but it was challenging for me because I also traveled a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy Ryanair and Easyjet tickets WAY in advance! Some restaurants offer student discounts but don't tell you so always ask before paying. Lots of nice restaurants have affordable lunch deals.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Urban location (next to King's Cross)
  • Interesting classes
  • Great academic resources (professors, library)
* What could be improved?
  • Integrating affiliate students into university community
  • More events
  • Mentorship (not just academic, but also emotional)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there's anything in particular...