Productive yet enjoyable semester of a CS student August 20, 2024
By Arzy A (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/22/2024 to 05/08/2024 with
Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme
I learned what it's like to live in a city where you don't know anyone and how to navigate a big city
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a semester in London. I loved the city, and Queen Mary is conveniently located to reach most places within 30- 40 minutes. I was able to take classes needed for my major while exploring and having a rich social life. There are many Muslims on campus, and the Islamic Society is super active, so it was a huge advantage for me as a Muslim. To be fair, the workload is way lighter than your typical American Liberal Arts School, so I had more free time, but classes tend to be more technical and specialized, which is a plus. The campus is very diverse and POC-friendly, with lots of affordable shops, restaurants, and cafes. Indeed, East London can get a bit unsafe at night, but the campus area is pretty safe. From the disadvantages, the study abroad support is not that great, meaning you have to figure many things out on your own or reach out to them. I was lucky that my home school was super active at making sure study abroad students are ok, so they helped from overseas. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
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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? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | cooking at home |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More about East London vs London |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
