Hated the school- loved the city and travelling Past Review

By (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/05/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about different cultures, food, and countries. That was worthwhile.

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.

Absolutely hated it. The entire grade was based off of two essays- no homework, no attendance necessary, no class participation grade. Half the students were missing each week. The essays were graded anonymously, so you as a student didn't even matter (and the teachers made it seem that way).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

What administration? Didn't know what resources were available to us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Cooked my own

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Literally none- it was just as if I was thrown into a new school. No orientation program and the other international students (none were American) were less than enthusiastic about interacting with an American.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat-in as much as you can.

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Central location
  • Minimal work
* What could be improved?
  • Teachers / grading
  • Orientation
  • Making friends / interacting with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What the school was going to be like so I wouldn't be so disappointed.

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.