Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Felt like a paid vacation where I had to write an occasional essay. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 06/10/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad is a lessen in independence, especially if you go without any friends from your home institution.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was not of the same academic rigor I was used to at Wellesley College, but I think that was just due to the difference teaching style in the UK. There was no work throughout the year, just a couple of papers or one exam per course. All of the onus for learning was placed on the student and doing extra research outside of the classroom. I learn much better at Wellesley with the assignments and tests throughout the semester, along with more professor involvement.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Many things seemed very unorganized. I also wish the international student orientation at the beginning had more events and did more to bring students together.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was in a university hall that was self-catered (I cooked for myself) which I enjoyed. I can't comment on the food from the university-catered halls.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think it would have been more helpful if the student orientation at the beginning of the semester had been more organized, had more information, and done more to bring students together. However, I joined one of the university clubs which helped me get to know London and the people there more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a small presentation about healthcare at the student orientation at the beginning of the semester, but other than that I had no experience with it.

* Safety:

Everything seemed very safe; I was never worried while out and about.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Being in London was great; it is a cultural center and there is so much to do. It is also incredibly easy to travel all over Europe.

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)

Pretty easily; I lived in the cheapest university housing and was pretty frugal in terms of going out and buying food. I tried to cook for myself most of the time. However, London transportation can be pretty expensive as well as food/drinks.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~45 pounds (most of that was for travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are using public transportation a lot, apply for and get the student discount travelcards. They let you travel as much as you want for a fixed rate. I found Sainsbury's to be the least expensive shopping option for food.

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

  • 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?
  • Soccer (club team at UCL)
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Better organization
  • More ways to help new students connect with each other at the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring less stuff with me; I did not use everything that I brought. Pack lightly.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.