Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great experience Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 09/26/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The assessments were more intense, so I learned more about managing my time to balance out my work and "play" schedule. I think I came out of the experience a more independent person who isn't afraid of doing things other than work because it "would waste my time" - i.e. found a more balanced lifestyle than I would've allowed myself at Barnard.

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.

Different assessment system that proved to be more rigorous. Seminars to supplement every lecture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Can be a little slow to communicate information, but when it does they provide a good amount to work with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with an off-campus provider, though...so this would be harder to judge.

* Food:

Food all around London. Definitely check out the farmers market that happens from 9AM-2PM on Thursdays right next to UCL's main campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated within the department, but making friends from scratch can be a hit or miss

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

N/A

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

...and I would go for a year if I could.

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)

Sainsbury's can be a lifesaver.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? GBP50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have a budget and stick with it when it comes to necessities. You'll very likely be spending more on your first week or two because you have to settle in and buy kitchenware and bedding etc. but afterwards keeping a budget really helps. But don't be afraid to buy tickets for trips outside of London or shows - they can come at discounts too, so keep a lookout.

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Space
  • Food
  • Transport?
* What could be improved?
  • Communication in school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That withdrawal would be real

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!