On Life and Study in London: Made Me Miss Wellesley! Past Review
By Aisling G (Russian Area Studies, Wellesley College) for
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a lot of independence, in terms of living-style and learning. It is difficult to learn to navigate a city all on your own! I would have liked more support from UCL, but my learning at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies allowed me to focus on my interests and take courses I couldn't take at Wellesley. This study abroad experience made me sure I do not want to ever study in the UK again, and didn't do a lot to clarify future goals.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I could have used more support for independent learning and essay research. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was no local administration for my program. Since it was direct enrollment, I was supposed to figure out everything myself! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I paid for food I did not want to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed the orchestra, but pub-culture is just not for me! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I chose not to use the health services in England. I did, however, have more than $2,000 stolen out of a bank account via ATM transactions, and though I filed a police report, it was never dealt with at a criminal level (my bank was able to reimburse me, however) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 pounds |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Books. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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?
Select all that apply |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would only study at UCL if you have a real reason to be in London, or have a connection with a professor. Life in London is expensive, though there are plenty of student discounts. Go to the student fairs, that was the best way to learn about student opportunities! I also had an on-campus job, which was fun and allowed me to meet other students. |
