Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing time abroad March 11, 2022

By (English and Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/11/2021 to 12/17/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile because my coursework helped me to hone what I wanted to pursue in my future doctoral study.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? Yes

I had a great time at UCL. It perfectly combined academic rigor, intellectual exploration, and the opportunity to travel and see a new place.

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)

I found that it was manageable to live on a student's budget

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably about 100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money on a weekly basis

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
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?
  • Classes
  • Traveling
  • Living in London
* What could be improved?
  • Dining hall food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that UCL is much more rigorous than other abroad programs. I was well-prepared from my home institution, but enrolling directly is very different than some of the very easy IES or DIS programs in other places.

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!