Loving London Past Review
By Victoria L (Biology, General., Barnard College) for
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, it was worthwhile. I love the city itself, and I feel like I got just the right amount of culture shock. People were generally polite and I learned a lot about the system of education here.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt that the entire educational system was different. For most of the semester, there was very little work. After going to lectures, there were no real homework assignments, and you'd have to motivate yourself to look over anything again. At the end of the semester, there was a lot of cramming to learn everything from the beginning, especially since the grade on the final is essentially the grade for the class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
not applicable |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm I stayed in was very close to campus, and it was in a good location - right in the middle of London. Getting supplies or going out for entertainment was easy. I had to buy sheets and other personal supplies, but food was provided. |
| * Food: |
The food was typical of a cafeteria. There were always vegetarian options for those who needed it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got to see the Royal Wedding, took a trip to Kew Gardens, and got to travel to several other European countries. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Although I didn't have to use it, I qualified for the free national health care. There were no health issues that I was concerned about it. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Food was included in my housing bill - together, food and housing were about $250/week. For personal expenses, I probably spent between $50-$100/week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | London was more expensive than I thought it would be, but there are cheap places to eat. Take advantage of Tesco's and Sainsbury's (supermarkets)! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | native speaker of English |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Even though it's difficult, make yourself study during term time. If you don't, you'll be cramming at the end. |
