Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in England was both mind-opening and a comfortable second home. Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 05/13/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live on my own in a foreign place, without knowing a single person beforehand. I learned the skills I need to interact with people outside my own home and comfort zone. I realized the similarities as well as vast differences between the different peoples of the world. It was worthwhile, in that I have made international friends from around the world and have gained the insight about how the different cultures of the world stand apart and mesh together at the same time.

Review Photos

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

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

London is extremely expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat out as minimally as possible. Plan trips and airfare with plenty of time in advance. Avoid buying an excessive amount of drinks out at bars and pubs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • International student basis
  • English culture
  • availability of travel from London
* What could be improved?
  • structure of learning style
  • student housing arrangements
  • outside aid with lectures in classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The learning style of London schools, specifically UCL, is very different from the learning style custom to the United States education system. Their style of teaching and learning is very different, and it proved very difficult to adapt to once in London.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.