Study Abroad in London Past Review

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University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living and studying in a different cultural environment definitely increased my global awareness. Also going to school in a city was very different from Middlebury but was a worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was dependent on how much time you wanted to put into the course. Grades were completely dependent on final exams so a lot of work was not necessarily required throughout the term. This system requires a lot of discipline during the term so that you don't let all of the work pile up for the end.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was well organized and easy to figure out. They handle a lot of American students and are used to the American university system.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I applied for student housing which was easy to do. My only complaint was that I lived with all Americans which didn't contribute to my abroad experience. There was no meal plan so I had to buy cookware. I also had to buy sheets and towels.

* Food:

I had to cook for myself. There are plenty of grocery stores around with great varieties of foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The best way to learn about the culture is to make friends with people who live in the country and who can show you around and take you out to non touristy places.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't need to use any of the health or safety services but they were well advertised and appeared to be easily accessible if needed

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

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Well organized
* What could be improved?
  • Housing situation, not living with other Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't expect it to be easy academically. The classes are interesting yet challenging.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Game Theory

Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This was a very difficult course based on the material that was covered. The instructor was effective but a lot of learning and practice had to be done by students on their own. This class took more time than any of my others. I spent as much time on this course as I would have on a very difficult course at Middlebury.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Politics of the European Union

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This was a fairly basic course that covered the history and structure of the European Union. Lectures followed the textbook closely. Discussions were interesting and allowed students the opportunity to interact with each other and with the professor. Grades were based on essays that were graded very strictly.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Labor

Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This was an interesting course that did not require a lot of work. The professor was interesting and well prepared for lecture. An above average understanding of microeconomic theory was required.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Human Ecology: Geographical Perspectives

Course Department: Geography
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This was a fairly easy course in that none of the reading was required or necessary. The lectures covered a wide range of interesting topics including water scarcity and famine.
Credit Transfer Issues: