Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Independence through Cultural Immersion Past Review

By (BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/16/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it is like to be a foreigner and how to both cope with and assimilate into another culture. It helped make me more independent and willing to get outside my comfort zone. I met all kinds of people and saw beautiful places. Definitely a worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

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? ~$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy in bulk and buy fresh food to cook yourself. Do not buy pre-made food or it will add up quickly.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • School could be more involved with its students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew better how different the University was going to be compared to Wellesley and how different the academic system is

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.