Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This was a learning experience. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/28/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile, I learned to be much more independent.

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.

Very rigorous, good resources in London overall but Art History faculty at UCL was not always the most supportive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was direct enrollment which meant that I was very much on my own during my time abroad, I did not have anyone to check in with in London except Diana Dethloff who tends to be very absent to her affiliate advisees.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

UCL provided housing, lived in a flat in central London.

* Food:

Cooked entirely for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London was easy to navigate and an incredible city. However, students in my department at UCL were not welcoming at all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health care issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I lived in a relatively safe part of the city. However, it was unavoidable that I would have to walk alone at night a large majority of my time abroad.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My answer is really a maybe, however, I loved being this close to the art.

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 incredibly expensive and the exchange rate was terrible during my time there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $130.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to a country with a decent exchange rate.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The Art
  • The Museums
  • The Libraries
* What could be improved?
  • The Affiliate Coordinator
  • Registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how little the University would do to support me during my time 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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

HART 1304, Art and Life in Modernity
Course Department: HART
Instructor: Dr. Catherine Berger
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my favorite class while abroad. My instructor was obviously passionate and incredible clear when communicating ideas. This class was often held in different museums throughout London which allowed me to really feel connected to the art itself. I was assessed through two large research papers and class participation. I participated often and enthusiastically and felt prepared to talk about these concepts.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not so far, these credits were counted as electives.
Course Name/Rating:

HART 2202, London & Paris
Course Department: HART
Instructor: Dr. Sue Walker
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My instructor was obviously passionate about her lectures. The material was interesting and engaging and allowed me to look at these two cities critically during this period. I was assessed through two large research papers, a presentation, and class participation. I participated often and enthusiastically and felt prepared to talk about these concepts.
Credit Transfer Issues: Credits counted as electives towards my major.
Course Name/Rating:

HART 2206
Course Department: HART
Instructor: Larne Abse Gogarty
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My instructor was very well versed and incredibly critical of the material as well as our understanding of it. I was assessed through two large research papers, class participation, and a group project. I participated less often than my other courses for I felt less prepared to talk about these concepts in the context of this class--in part due to the hostile environment often perpetuated by the students in this class. The material was challenging but rewarding.
Credit Transfer Issues: This course counted for elective credit towards my major.