Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! June 26, 2023

By (Economics, Philosophy, Hebrew and Jewish studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/03/2023 to 06/09/2023 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, exposure to my academic and intellectual passions, ability to use my free time in a cultural and intellectual way rather than wasting time.

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.

Amazing - UCL exposed me to the true intellectual nature that exists within European higher education

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA was completely uninvolved after week 1

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fairly good, better than back in the U.S.

* Food:

London has a great food scene

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being a UCL student didn't feel like study abroad, it felt like being a regular student

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved London, I loved UCL. My only negative feedback is that it felt lonely at times but that is what comes with studying abroad and being integrated into local experience.

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)

London is expensive, students should be aware of that going into it. Food expenses (groceries and going out) were about 200$ a week and then extra expenses for shopping, trips, and events

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
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • London art scene
  • Hasidism and Modernity module
  • Independence in exploring London
* What could be improved?
  • Selection of modules
  • Integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take all the opportunities you can to explore London itself rather than running around to every other country. Enjoy the authenticity of the city you chose to study in - London has to much to offer, I didn't leave for the first month and I don't regret it at all. Don't treat study abroad as your only chance to travel, you will have more - treat it as your opportunity to live like a local in London for half a year.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Hasidism and Modernity
Course Department: Hebrew and Jewish Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This is the best course I have ever taken. The instructor is a brilliant individual with a breadth of experience in both secular, contemporary topics as well as Jewish and Hasidic areas of knowledge. He shared his wisdom with the tight-knit class and personally, my passion for Judaism flourished. The class opened my eyes to the spirituality that exists within Hasidic thought, the importance of Hasidic dynasties to the survival of the Jewish people, and how traditional aspects of Hasidism deal with problems presented by modern secular society. I highly recommend this class while he continues to teach it, it really changed my view of Judaism, Hasidism, and exposed me to wisdom I have not experienced before.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A