Great overall experience with some caveats Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 06/09/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I loved most about studying abroad is the sense of independence and feeling of adventure I gained. Even before studying abroad, I lived far away from home due to college. But since I was an ocean away, I really had to deal with my own problems like booking plane ticket and hotels and even setting up my own doctors appointment. If I wanted to do something, I was able to plan, arrive, and explore new places and opportunites on my own time. Before this, I felt a little uneasy about the inevitable living on my own that post-college adulthood brings. However, now I feel confident that I will be able to handle problems on my own and really leave my comfort zone. Studying in London was amazing because I did things I never thought I would do or be interested in. For instance, I traveled to different countries by myself and went to see two musicals, both things I had never done before. Studying abroad was such a great experience, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to do it.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Whenever I encountered a problem, the school did very little to help me with either getting accurate information or helping me find resources. For example, I became sick quite a few times during my six month program. When I first got sick I tried to g to one of the gps they provided but was told I was not living in London long enough to receive medical attention from a gp. This was despite the fact that their form said those living in London for six months or longer were entitled to see the university gp. I ended up going to a free clinic/ hospital.

* 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? I spent an average of between $62- $100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Making a spreadsheet of your expenses is very helpful when trying to keep track of your expenditure and knowing when it okay to splurge or when its time to cut costs. Also carrying cash instead of using your card, cuts down charges from your bank and makes you more wary of hoe much you spend.

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
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Affordable housing in a central location
  • The college was highly accessible to the city, and student IDs allowed free or reduced access to most museums or public events
* What could be improved?
  • The school could have done more for a smoother and better transition for study abroad students to become accustomed to the school
  • I would have live the administration to have been more involved and clear when answering questions and helping students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about different cultures and places, so that I would be more prepared to integrate and willing to go to more new places. I also wish I knew how accessible Europe is. I did not travel for most of my abroad program because I believed it was too expensive or I was afraid that people would not understand or speak English. However, in reality plane or bus tickets were cheap, hostels were inexpensive, and traveling in a non-English speaking country is possible even if you don't know the native language (although its helpful to know a few words)

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!