Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing Experiences in London! Past Review

By (Political Science, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad gave me a new lease on life and really broadened my horizons and expectations for myself and my own life moving forward. I wouldn't trade my experiences and friends in England for anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found the Public Policy department at UCL was very helpful and well organized. However, the entire university was sometimes difficult to manage when communicating with administrators.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Connaught hall was a great place to live during my study abroad experience.

* 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? 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 is extremely expensive and the exchange rate makes it even worse.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $180USD.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you don't have a major US bank that allows for foreign use of your credit/debit card, definitely get a UK bank account and use their card. My credit union based in Austin would only let me use the ATM's in England and that would sometimes pose a problem.

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
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Small department with great teachers
  • Central London location
  • Living in a beautiful dorm full of international students and English students, right across the street from school
* What could be improved?
  • I don't have any complaints.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing comes to mind.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.