London: Cultural Kaleidoscope Past Review

By (HISTORY., Barnard College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I learned how to be more independent and deal with challenges

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.

work load was comparable, but much less time spent in the class room

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They weren't very proactive, but were helpful if you sought them out

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

very nice and safe, but expensive because it was private housing

* Food:

was cooking for self

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was a lot to do In London, and I did a lot on my own, but the program didn't arrange that many activities

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

London is a pretty safe city, and British health care is great

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100 not including rent
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? London is very expensive! But there are deals to be found such as London restaurant week in March, most museums are free, so that is a good activity

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone who is willing to explore on their own and is fairly proactive, UCL does not do a lot of hand holding