It was alright Past Review

By (Applied Economics., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/19/2013 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Became more cosmopolitan and multicultural

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.

You have to take tests/essays seriously. Otherwise, you can completely goof off.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Most beuracratic, horrible system ever. UCL just sucks (or the British academic system in general) when it comes to registration and the general execution of courses.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

IFSA provided decent housing, albeit many times stuff broke and wasn't fixed.

* Food:

Can't really comment... College didn't provide any food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did not get integrated at all; we were in a little American bubble.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The British health care system is decent. Nothing to be afraid of.

* Safety:

Listen, London is not that scary.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? A ton on going out/bars/clubbing/alcohol -- if you're a drinker, get ready to dish out

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling
  • Flexibility
  • No real academic strain
* What could be improved?
  • English people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? -The place is somewhat depressing, it's cloudy 95% of the time -British people have extremely pretentious personalities -Lack of interaction with Brits