Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Interesting study experience in London Past Review

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 06/12/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile in that I learned a lot about myself and what I prefer. I learned to appreciate my home college a lot more, and I learned how to adapt to education systems that may not suit me very well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

In a sense everything we needed was there but it was very unorganized, I did not feel like the resources we needed were readily there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Unapplicable mostly, was not on a meal plan

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went off on my own to discover the city a lot so nothing with the university itself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable, thankfully did not have any health issues while there

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40-50 sterling for food, 20-30 for transport, 30 other
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? always ask about student discounts, rarely advertised. Try to stay away from more expensive grocery stores

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

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being in London
  • Large university feel
  • Large neuroscience department
* What could be improved?
  • Integration of exchange students with local students and university as a whole
  • More academic guidance to all students
  • greater sense of community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Comparatively to my home college I would have liked to know that there is very little "support" on campus, you are very much on your own in a lot of things including classes. There is no relation with your professor and thus very little guidance or coursework throughout the term finished off by a final exam.

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.