Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Explorations of London Past Review

By (Chemistry., Austin College) - abroad from 09/14/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, my studies, and the differences and similarities between American culture and British culture. I was enrolled in the chemistry department, so I was able to compare different learning styles in my concentration of study, which was a really rewarding experience. I loved living in London and going to UCL, and I am so thankful to have had the experience.

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo

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.

* 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? $150

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?
  • Being in London!
  • Guidance & assistance
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • Living with more British students
  • Advice on spending
  • Info about local clubs/groups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how to better budget my spending! It was hard to think in conversion rates, so I often didn't, and I ended up spending much of the money I had saved up. It would be helpful to learn about where to buy cheap, good quality food and how best to get around town while spending minimal money.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.