Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best year of my life! Past Review

By (Queen Mary University of London) - abroad from 09/04/2020 to 06/04/2021 with

Université de Tours: Direct Enrollment and Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I mentally grew up. It was definitely worthwhile because I felt like I finally belonged somewhere, I've decided to give an international dimension to the continuation of my studies (in September I will begin a master's degree in International Politics with an English-speaking world option) so that I can come back to London and live in this beautiful and amazing city

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.

Quality resources available to students. Teachers always available for questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not live on campus but my flat was ok. Very expensive compared to what I used to pay in France (more than double) and not as good as what I had in France. But the location was great (Bow): 20 min by foot from QM, 15min by foot from Stratford, 10min by foot from Victoria Park, 10min by foot from Bow Road station, and not 20min by foot from Mile End station

* Food:

Groceries surprisingly cheaper than in France. Ate some very good fish&chips. Will definitely miss the wide range of restaurants available in London.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not living on campus combined with the Covid situation made it very difficult to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any particular health issue apart from my usual pollen allergy

* Safety:

I feel like London is a very safe city, I've never felt in danger here.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had a great time I QM, I would not change anything apart from the covid situation.

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)

Luckily I did not have to worry about money due to the fact that I split every bill with my girlfriend who lived with me because she was also at QM on an Erasmus trip (we come from the same home university). Paying half of everything helps when living in such an expensive city. It definitely would not have been the same had I been alone.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 15/20£ of food, 156,25£ on rent, 20/30£ for my pay-as-you-go Oyster Card, 15£ on gas, electricity, water, and internet. Bear in mind that apart from Oyster expenses, all are to be multiplied by 2 because I split every bill with my girlfriend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use the bus instead of the tube if you have the time to do so, it will reveal to be much cheaper on a not that long term.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

All my classes are taught in English in France and all of them were also taught in English at QM.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I don't know. Just know that I'm rated C1
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Read books, watch series, talk to people. Lots of students are foreigners so don't be ashamed of your English if it is not that good because loads of people also are in the process of learning English!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I've visited loads of amazing places in and out London
  • And I still have so many to visit!
  • QM level has nothing to do with my home university level. I've learned more here in 1 year than in Tours in 2 years.
* What could be improved?
  • I did not encounter any major issue so I don't know what to answer.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew before arriving in London that all modules were to be taught online.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!