Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Challenges and Benefits of Studying in London Past Review

By (HISTORY., Providence College) for

Arcadia: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe I understand how the United States fits into the rest of the world much more than I did before. I think I changed much more as an individual than I expected. I had to learn to live completely on my own for the first time, and I had to do things on my own a lot more than I did at home. My future plans have not changed much, but I am definitely much more aware of different options I can pursue and have a significantly more accurate and developed world view.

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.

The workload was about the same, but it was difficult to manage because everything was due at the end of the semester. At PC there are many more due dates throughout the semester. UCL was also much more lecture based, and had much less interaction between students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Although there was a lack of assistance at the beginning, the Arcadia Abroad staff was extremely helpful whenever I needed help from them. However, it would have been better if they had more spaces available in the trips they offered through the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My program arranged my housing. I loved the neighborhood I was in, and everything I needed was in walking distance. Most of my building was single rooms, which was nice sometimes, but it made it more difficult to meet people in my building. I had to buy cookware and food, but the school provided linens. The cleaning and building staff were very friendly, but they were extremely slow about fixing maintenance problems.

* Food:

I cooked for myself and ate out with friends. There were many places to go around campus and on campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program provided tickets to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which was very enjoyable. There were trips available but only for a certain number of students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Like in any large city, you have to be smart. I never had a problem, but people had some things stolen in public and in my building. My area was fairly busy but I still always ensured I went home with another person or I took a cab if I was alone. I did use the healthcare system, and it was very helpful. The insurance provided by Arcadia covered everything I needed.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I can't think of any unanticipated expenses off the top of my head, but it would have been helpful to have more information about where to buy certain things or how to find better deals, because I'm sure I spent more than I needed to for some things.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • London has opportunities to do almost anything.
  • UCL has a wide variety of clubs and events for students to attend.
* What could be improved?
  • The support from UCL and Arcadia.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to be outgoing to participate in this program, and probably most other study abroad programs. Arcadia and UCL did not help much in terms of meeting other students and joining different activities unless you asked for it. The best way to get the most out of your experience is to do as much as you can and don't be shy about meeting other people.