Loving London at UCL Past Review

By Regent57 (Political Science and Government., Tufts University) for

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was worthwhile. I gained a fuller understanding of European culture due to actually seeing it all, and talking with students who live in those countries. The travel and the people you meet are certainly the best parts. Oh, and living in London - fantastic for theater goers. Its interesting to see another academic system up close, but from a purely academic perspective - if that is the only thing you're looking for - this is not your program, as you'll get more at Tufts.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Full-Year 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Compared to an excellent US university like Tufts, UCL just really doesn't stack up very well, at least for a student of the humanities (I was in the philosophy department). You're in much larger classes for only a third of time. Tutorials help but there's just enough time in those either. Outside of the cultural experience, which is significant, you'll learn more in a semester at Tufts than a year at UCL no question about it.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	As stated above, the program really helps you get settled in. It also provides help with classes or problems throughout the year. Really, I can't say anything bad about it - they will help you if you need help.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Schafer house. Nice to have your own room, suite-style dorms are good for developing a community. Problem is the place itself isn't in great shape and the kitchens are tiny - no good common rooms. <br /><br /> See above.
* Food:	The food stipend is plenty and there are grocery stores everywhere.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	If you make a little effort your fellow students will probably take you in. You can meet a lot of cool European people - or you can just party with Tufts kids, which I suppose wouldn't have been too bad. But if you get to know the locals you'll have places to stay when you travel in England and you'll discover more than you would have otherwise.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never had any issues and we had plenty of insurance.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	I saved a lot of money for travel, so maybe 40 pounds a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Ryanair has hidden fees. If you go out drinking all the time you will lose money fast - unless you go to Moonies.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Fluent
Language acquisition improvement?	Having studied in England this question makes no sense. I learned some fun phrases though.