London's East End: Queen Mary, University of London Past Review
By Sam12 (Wellesley College) for
Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme
Most definitely. I now know that I need to live in a large city full of history. I know what kind of people I want to be friends with in the future. I have friends all over Europe and am much more aware about politics and cultural interplay.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The amount of work that is graded is minimal. Be sure to keep up with your readings. Teaching method is all about lectures and seminars to apply or discuss what was just lectured. The grading system is different from the US, as well. You are never expected to get above 70%, which would be a first. 60-70% is a 2-1 which would be a B and considered a fantastic grade. Above 40% is passing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There are 3 people in charge of incoming study abroad students and outgoing study abroad students. Their email inboxes were always packed and they had many trips to build relationships or interest with other schools. Because of this, their accessibility is limited but they will do their best to help. I don't recommend relying on them though as you lose part of the study abroad experience then. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Self-catering so I enjoyed everything I cooked. I learned on the go and enjoyed it so much that I began cooking for others. It was a great way to connect as well and observe cultural differences. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 pounds, give or take a few pounds. This covered groceries, drinks and nights out. Museums and other attractions are generally free in London. But you are living in a city, it is going to be expensive. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Anticipate spending more in the beginning because you have to get supplies. Also, if you get cash out at the beginning of the week and limit yourself to that amount then you can generally maintain your budget. It worked for me, anyway. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are willing to go out of your way to make this experience what you want, then choose it. Because you will not be spoon fed anything and you have to have the motivation and drive to meet people, make friends, see things, travel, etc.. |
