School was my excuse to get to London, the people made it worth the trip Past Review

By (Genetics, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/22/2015 to 12/22/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I spent more time with international students than with locals; it was a fantastic opportunity to interact with multiple world perspectives simultaneously. Also, it was a lot of fun learning London alongside others who were equally new to the city.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of independent work required outside of class time, and the professors provided a lot of resources, even though there was almost no office hours or help outside of lecture times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was very difficult to get questions answered in a timely manner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was granted housing across the street from the school and even though it was a community flat set-up, the rent was affordable and my flatmates were wonderful.

* Food:

The Indian food was stellar but everything is expensive. I was happy to be home.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Figure out what entertainment is free (there is a lot in big cities, especially) and cook your own meals. It take time, but it's worth it.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the other international students I met
  • ease of enrollment and housing acquisition
* What could be improved?
  • cultural support before leaving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd been introduced to how to get an Oyster Card/access mass transit before landing overseas. Also, I was not made aware of the different classroom culture or school system (grades, registration, etc.)