Just BEING in the city was an education and a joy. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took all English classes. The classes themselves were fine. The lectures were easy to follow, and had a lot of interesting information. I didn't find them particularly challenging. The seminar portion of the classes was better. As long as I did the reading, I was able to follow the discussion, and contribute. The only really tough part was the essays. All essays were research papers, which I'm not used to. Usually during a semester, I'll write a couple research papers, but at UCL, I had to write eight. Four during the semester, and four for my finals. Other than that, the classes were relaxed, especially since I wasn't there for a year, and did not have to take final exams.

On-site administration of your program

I did not think IFSA-Butler was that great. Their orientation wasn't very helpful. They clearly tried to scare everyone into being safe in the big bad city of London. I felt most of the orientation was a waste of time. They were also demeaning, simply thinking all of us were just there to get drunk and be stupid. I imagine that's what a lot of people go abroad for, but that's not why I went, and it would have been nice for them not to assume we were dumb. It would have been much better if they had talked to us about food shopping, where grocery stores were, or where to find bedding. There was no real help for those kind of practical things. One good thing was when I did email them with concerns, they responded quickly, and tried to get me the information I needed.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my flat, and the size of my room. I lived in Frances Gardner, the newer dorm. The flat was lovely, and my room was spacious. It was a great way to make friends. I loved having my own kitchen, and cooking for myself. It was in a pretty convenient location, as well. I was within walking distance of a great shopping center with a grocery store and cute shops. I was also about a 10 minute walk away from two different tube stations, so I had access to several Underground lines. I also liked the area, because it felt a bit more residential, but was still in central London, and therefore, close to a lot of different things.

I didn't go out to eat that much, but London is definitely not how people perceive it to be when it comes to food. In recent years, a lot of great cafe chains have opened, and a lot more ethnic food-type restaurants have opened. So I felt there was a great variety I could choose from when it comes to restaurants. The grocery stores also were great. Pret A Manger and Costa were my two favorite cafes, and both have great food, especially Pret.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I got to know how people lived in London by observing, and simply walking around. I noticed that a lot of people go to cafes on their own, or restaurants on their own. And people are always out. While I didn't make a lot of friends who were actually British, I feel connected to the place because I walked around, because I simply lived there. Going to the supermarket, and becoming familiar with the different stores, and walking through the squares.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need to go to the doctor at all while I was there, but I know others who did, and they said it was really easy. They would just show up at the doctors, and receive help. One friend had to purchase medicine, but it was marked down a lot, and very affordable. Also, during orientation, UCL said we could easily go to a doctor, and they gave us a form we could bring to a doctor to be seen easier, since we're not UK citizens. It seems like a great system.

I felt very safe in London. If anything, I think the IFSA-Butler orientation tried to scare everyone a bit too much. It also may be because I am from New York CIty, and like to think that I know how to be safe in a city. In any place, it's just good to be smart and aware. In London, people are always out, so I never really felt alone, or like I could be cornered.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

London is an expensive city. But there are deals to be found, and decently priced places to go out. The kicker is the exchange rate, which is why I would sometimes spend $300 USD a week. Prices are generally the same for things there. I did spend quite a bit of money living the 'typical' lifestyle; i.e., going out to a cafe everyday, and getting a coffee. Or even going out for a drink once a week. It all adds up. I probably could have been more thrifty.

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