It was a really great and fun experience. I wouldn't change it for the world. Past Review
By Elena B (Film/Econ, Barnard College) for
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was great and helped me feel confident that I can live far from home and survive in a foreign country.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was a little unorganized and I only found out my housing about a week before I left because they hadn't received my confirmation that I accepted the program. But once I was there, I didn't need their help with anything so it was fine. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was very social and brand-new accommodations so despite the tiny tiny rooms, it was nice. <br /><br /> It was a new dorm within the community of a larger, social dorm. |
| * Food: |
I cooked myself or went out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was a really great and fun experience. I wouldn't change it for the world. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get healthcare but they told us how to sign up at the student clinic when we first arrived, which I had to use several times. However, the care wasn't that great but it was better than nothing. |
| 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? | Anywhere between 50-150 pounds, depending on how often I went out. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't forget phone payments and investment in items that you can't bring with you (such as bed comforter/kitchen supplies). |
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?
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try to stay away from befriending only Americans. The great thing about England is that you have a common language and you can very easily becoming friends with the local people. This will be the most rewarding part of your trip--otherwise it's as if you still in New York. |
