Study Abroad in London Past Review
By Jessica S (Africana Studies, Wellesley College) for
SOAS, University of London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was helpful for me to live abroad for a time so that I can have an awareness of cultural and continental differences. I felt it was important to study abroad so that my education would be well-rounded.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very manageable and the teaching/time in class was less than wellesley. There was more dependence on a final paper/exam and not many other assignments. The professors were friendly and knowledgeable. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SOAS has small classes, friendly professors, and very intelligent and creative students. The library was just renovated and is very large and accessible. The only downside of my time abroad was that my housing was far from the main SOAS building. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I applied to the freshman/international dorm. I had my own room and my own bathroom. I shared a kitchen with 4 other people. There was security, a game room, common room, and it was close to the grocery store. It was far from SOAS main building though. It was close to Vernon sq building at SOAS. |
* Food: |
n/a |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
lots of events and places to visit: markets, restaurants, bars, etc. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Safe, never had trouble when walking home at night. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around $250 dollars a week for groceries, laundry, eating out, and drinks. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | n/a |
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
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | This program is for people who are very independent and self sufficient. You have to be a go-getter to flourish . |