Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I heart London Past Review

By (Speech Language Pathology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/24/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I realized how focused Americans are on just the United States. People abroad knew so much about our country, politics, and etc. They were so interested in knowing my opinions on policies that I didn't even know existed. I was embarrassed by this! I also thought going to London meant same language, same everything. But it was a totally different place. They have very different attitudes, a culture, and different lingo.

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.

It was more rigorous in a different sense. Less class time but more time spent individually to complete the "work" which was mostly reading. Teaching style was extremely different and difficult to work with compared to the American teaching system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

UCL does not do such a great job of integrating students from study abroad. They had a good international students orientation, but most students coming internationally are there for all 4 years to start their college career, not necessarily for just a semester exchange. They kind of just set you free and let you do everything yourself.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a really nice UCL dorm called Goldsmid. It was more expensive but in the end worth it I think. I had an en suite, which means my own bathroom and bedroom. And I shared a really nice/ new kitchen with just 5 other flatmates. The kitchen was cleaned by the staff M, W, F- so that was nice!

* Food:

Food in London is surprisingly good. It's not bland like most people tell you. London is a hotspot for all cultures so Indian food was fantastic along with other cultural foods. You've just got to be willing to spend the money!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with/ hung out with British people the whole time. I didn't know anyone else coming from UT, so I was the lone American from the program if felt like. Although this seemed lonely at first, it became a plus later on. You learn so much more about the city, people, lifestyle, and become really integrated into British way of life this way compared to just hanging out with other exchange students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare here is phenomenal from what I can tell. I didn't have experience with it but my other American friend did and they saw her immediately.

* Safety:

Safety is so and so in certain areas in London. I never felt endangered and I was always traveling at night with other people. London is really urban so you're never alone or in danger. Of course you've got to avoid some notorious dodgy areas at night but other than that you're fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It was very difficult with a typical student budget. I think I spent about $150 a week. I might have been a bit superfluous but it was a comfortable amount for me to do what I want, including weekends. Things are just more expensive in London and you get tricked into thinking you're spending less when everything is in pounds.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $150.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget! Write down where you're spending you're money and see how you can control it. Also make sure that if you want to travel, to set aside those funds or else you'll be in a crunch in the end and kick yourself for buying all those expensive foods when you could've hopped on a quick flight to Dublin instead.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • It challenged me to think differently.
* What could be improved?
  • Expectations of the courses should've been better laid out to students. I went into classes blindly for 2 weeks before I figured out what was expected of us.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the program I was applying to was going to be so rigorous. I knew it was hard, but not to the extent it was. UCL is a very good school and not your typical "blow off" exchange program school. You will learn and you will work hard there.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.