Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had a fantastic year in London Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Cornell University) - abroad from 09/26/2011 to 05/03/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile, and I definitely recommend going abroad for a year because everyone who was there for only 1 term felt it was too short!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The English program there was excellent and I really feel like I learned a lot while I was there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really liked UCL - I thought it was a great University.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Schafer House, which was a pretty nice environment and really close to Uni.

* Food:

I cooked for myself (I chose to live in self-catered housing), which I'm really glad I did

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I mostly met other international students (from around Europe) but I was able to make some British friends and I always felt accepted by those around me

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while I was there, but it was very easy for me to get signed up with the NHS, etc

* Safety:

I felt really safe in London.

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)

London was an very expensive city - I probably spent about £100 a week on food and other things for myself.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met
  • The academic program
  • London - it's an amazing city
* What could be improved?
  • London is REALLY expensive
  • having to come home!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a