London gave me the confidence and global outlook to change my life for the better! Past Review
By Nakul S (Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University) for
IFSA: London - University College London
I gained a better understanding of global culture and resolved to remain cosmopolitan for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As mentioned earlier, the teaching style is more independent and requires some getting used to by American students. Students are expected to carry their own weight without depending on professors for reminders or tutorials. However, aside from that UCL is an excellent institution. The library and facilities are in good condition, the professors are very knowledgeable about their subjects, the courses are generally very well-taught, and there are plenty of extracurricular and research opportunities available for those students who are interested. London is an extremely vibrant city in which to study, and I would highly recommend it to potential applicants! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall strengths: excellent facilities, research, teachers, academic caliber/reputation, and extremely vibrant cultural climate. Overall weaknesses: different (slightly disengaged) style of teaching compared to the US, but this is mostly a cultural difference and not a major dysfunction. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked my living situation very much - the apartment that IFSA-Butler provided was in perfect condition and was fully stocked with supplies when I arrived. My roommates were American and were fairly polite, while my IFSA-Butler host staff member was not quite as polite but still fairly manageable. |
| * Food: |
Excellent food! London's food situation is surprisingly affordable and accessible. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Excellent nightlife, restaurants, and social scene. There are no limits to what you can do in London in your free time. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Students in the UK get free and easy healthcare, unlike in the US. I did not need any special vaccines. Safety is not a huge issue, as there is significant gun control in the UK; however, it is still a good idea to remain circumspect at night or when wandering alone. |
| 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 a week for food, variable amount depending on personal expenses for additional expenditures |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would buy an Oyster card to get discounts on public transport. I would also research inexpensive food options in order to save money on my food budget. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who want to learn more about the world, gain confidence, have amazing travel opportunities, and get a better perspective on global culture should definitely go to UCL. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
London Before the Great Fire of 1666 |
| Course Department: | ARCL6003 |
| Instructor: | Gustav Milne |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | An amazing course where the the course director takes you to various museums and archeological sites around London to give you a vivid perspective on the entire history of London from its foundation in Roman times to its 80% destruction in the Great Fire of 1666. It is not possible to get a more vivid picture of such an ancient city! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | There was a 5 month delay in transferring my credits back to my home institution, so if timing of transfers is an issue, I would suggest studying abroad early (in the fall instead of the spring, for example). |
