An Excellent Semester Abroad Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2015 to 12/18/2015 with
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about Parliamentary systems and UK and Europe in general.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
UCL is not the quickest nor most responsive administration system. Registering for classes is a bit of rigmarole, but once things get started it works well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Astor College, which wasn't anything too fancy but kitchens and bathrooms were clean and functional and the sinks in the rooms were the best. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The UCL on campus clinic is free to use and if you get sick they can write a proscription for medication you can buy at a local pharmacy. |
| * Safety: |
London is a huge city, theft and other crime are of course common. Using common sense, not taking unnecessary risks staying with a group are really all you need |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Going to London was one of the greatest experiences of my life and being able to go to UCL and being in the middle of it all, and meeting so many great people is something I wouldn't change for anything. |
Finances
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* 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 expensive, but also when you are such an amazing place for such a short amount of time, you don't want to miss out on anything. With some saving before hand and selective spending as well as the acceptance that a lot of money will be spent, you can leave London with good memories and a little cash left in your account. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work out a budget for your groceries, share cooking supplies with other study abroad/erasmus students,save up as much as you can before hand. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would be taking my poli sci classes with Americans |
