Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring London & the Rest of Europe Past Review

By (Economics, Chinese, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/28/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about being on my own and taking care of myself, and had a great time traveling and meeting new people.

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.

I think that the classes were interesting and I enjoyed learning from such reputable professors. As an exchange student, however, I felt there weren't as many resources available as needed and I could have benefitted from additional support.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think Wellesley could have organized more events with other exchange students because it was difficult to meet people and I often found myself rather confused about what was expected of us during orientation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were clean, accessible, and located near my classes.

* Food:

I made my own food for most meals, but the food available on campus was enjoyable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Through the direct exchange program, Wellesley students did not have many opportunities to meet other students who were studying abroad there, or to meet local students. I would have really appreciated more orientation events that were not as expensive or difficult to hear about.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to get a vaccine while I was abroad, and had a really hard time finding out where to get this vaccine. UCL sent me to my local drug store and then the drug store sent me back to UCL, who refused to administer the shot again, and I ended up attending a very expensive private practice to get it done.

* Safety:

I generally felt rather safe walking around the area where I was living, even at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Although I did enjoy my experience and would definitely study abroad again, I think I would choose more of an exchange program rather than a direct enrollment.

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 a very expensive city, and I was cooking for myself and providing most necessities for myself so it definitely added up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 pounds probably, excluding housing
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to eat too often

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

  • 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?
  • Reputable professors
  • A lot of freedom
  • Great location within London
* What could be improved?
  • More interactions with other study abroad students
  • Meet new local students
  • More support with class registration/work expectations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I learned a lot while I was abroad, but I wish I had been more prepared for orientation week as I was a bit lost.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.