It's worth it! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 06/10/2017 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. Although I myself is from a whole different culture, the difference between western cultures, American and British (and also European, because I traveled a lot through western Europe) is clear and interesting to me.

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.

* 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

I love London, and it's probably the most attractive thing for me. The city is just a total charm for me. Even you don't want to spend anytime in the classroom(which, of course, is impossible) London is so much to explore with all kinds of museums and attractions. Academically, UK is a lot different from the US in terms of its learning approaches and focuses. Independent study is the main part for a college student and the lecture is more like a form of reflection and extension to your self studying. And it takes a new perspective for me to approach new information.

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? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking by yourself is definitely the cheapest way to live. And there are a number of supermarkets and grocery stores near the housing, approximately within 20min walk.

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

  • 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?
  • the city of London
  • the new British and European perspective
* What could be improved?
  • course reviews from previous affiliate students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The cultural difference and the different social and political context of UK and other European countries.