Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad in London Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I wouldn't say that studying abroad changed any of my plans but it broadened my experience and gave me a more global view of things.

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 education systems differ in the way grades are given and in the availability of professors. Grades are 100 percent determined by final exams or final papers. Professors are not always available for help, but TAs usually are.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

UCL was very knowledgeable about the American education system and was happy to help with any problems. The administration was easily accessible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I applied for student housing through UCl. I had to provide sheets, towels, and all cooking utensils.

* Food:

I cooked my own meals and went out a lot.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The economics organized some activities for new students including a tour of Buckingham Palace.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health and safety services were made readily available, but were not necessary in my experience.

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)

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? Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. The experience is what you make it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Game Theory
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Bashkar
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was an introductory course to game theory. It was challenging and required strong math skills
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Politics of the European Union
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: An introductory to the formation and politics of the European Union. An interesting class that assumes no prior knowledge of the EU.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Labor
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Donald Verry
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a very straight forward course about labor markets and was very interesting. Allowed both an American and English viewpoint.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Human Ecology: Geographical Perspectives
Course Department: Geography
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course examined global environmental issues through different cases studies. Overall, a pretty easy course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Game Theory
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Bashkar
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was an introductory course to the concepts of game theory. It assumed a fair amount of prior knowledge of mathematical concepts and was fairly difficult. I spent about as much time on this course as I would have on a difficult class at Middlebury.
Credit Transfer Issues: