Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great time! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/23/2019 to 12/13/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved being centrally located in London. The city itself is just so amazing with so many things to do and see! I had so much fun exploring the city around me. I had a great time at UCL. I liked my coursework in EU Politics and IPE, which I didn't have back at my 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived off campus. I didn't utilize university housing.

* Food:

I lived off campus, so I didn't regularly eat university food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NHS is great. I went to the ER because of a severe case of food poisoning and they helped me recover quickly.

* Safety:

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

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)

Very expensive overall. Exchange rate is not favorable and you have to do your research to find a good place to exchange your money!

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Centrally located in London
  • Unique coursework (EU and British politics)
* What could be improved?
  • Difficult to make friends / interact with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is very expensive to live in London! You have to make sure that you find a good place to exchange US$ to pounds that has a fair exchange rate. I wish I had made sure I had more friends in my program. It can be difficult to find time to interact and mingle with locals.

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 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!