Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I should've stayed for a whole school year! Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/15/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about British culture. I got to broaden my empathetic understanding of people my ages growing up on a different side of the planet. My love for travel was validated.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Their is much more focus on independent learning. Domestic students came in already signed up to a major, so they only took classes in the subject. This allowed for professors to teach with higher expectations from the students then we might have experienced in Universitites in the states. Many of the British students had been majoring in the topic during their equivalent of high school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Their international administration was very helpful and always updating us through email and newsletters.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms in the flats are small. However, maintenance always responded to anything quickly, and we did have cleaners come in to the kitchen weekly and to our rooms bi-weekly. Living on campus helped to create a community between the students.

* Food:

On campus food was very basic. I rarely ate on campus. Their are food stores very close though. My flatmates and I cooked a majority of the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone I met was very inclusive. The school has many international students from all over the world, so you won;t feel left out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While my program did give us insurance. QMUL did not take that insurance, so I had to pay out of pocket and never ended up claiming for a refund. I would suggest going to the medicine shop down the road by the tube station where the workers there will help you for free.

* Safety:

Mile End is known to be rougher than some other areas. I, however, never felt at risk while I was there. Being with students that are used to traveling in Britain put me at ease. You just have to be aware of your surroundings.

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)

London is expensive. If you want to do absolutely everything then you'll need to adjust your funds accordingly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you calculate the cost of everything into US dollars, you'll stress yourself out. Learn what is reasonable by asking your British flatmates. Buy food from ASDA, or some other cheaper food store rather than finding the Whole Foods equivalent in London. And take advantage of student discounts!

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
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?
  • Living with other British and international students.
  • Being allowed to take courses in all of the different schools rather then being forced to do only business for example.
  • Being so close to the bigger parts of London, while still getting to come back home to a quieter more relaxed (very beautiful) campus.
* What could be improved?
  • They student health services was not very thoughtful of those of us not staying for the full year (and therefore receiving the free health coverage).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't over pack. And if you really want something, consider it an investment in your memories for when you go back home. I'm still kicking myself for not bringing home more clothes and other stuff from London. Stay the whole school 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 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.