London: Everything Will Work Out Past Review
By Jie H (Computer Science/Economics, Wellesley College) for
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I think it was worthwhile to go abroad. I am more sure of myself and more independent now. I also feel more aware of global issues & affairs than before. The exposure to a different culture and education system was very interesting, and I think that it's nice to see another perspective.
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. |
I loved being at UCL. The professors expected students to be more independent and didn't assign much work, compared to my classes at Wellesley. I didn't feel like I learned much material from the classes, though I think I grew more as a person through interactions with other students & a new culture. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Housing details was not received until February, well after I had moved into my university housing and started classes. I had to fend for myself a lot, though there was an office for international students at UCL if things got *really* bad. It would have been nice to have known where I would have stayed on the first night, and/or had been assured a cell phone/Internet connection. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived right next to campus, in central London, so it was nice. My housemates were mostly female, which was nice. I had to buy everything but the furniture for my room, including desk lamp and sheets, etc. |
* Food: |
There's every sort of food imaginable in London, and lots of it around every corner. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I traveled a lot throughout the UK. Loved Wales. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I think it was pretty safe, though I didn't walk around after 12PM alone. No health issues or concerns. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 200USD a week (food, travel, souvenirs, etc.), not including rent. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I had budgeted ~1000 USD per month and more or less stuck to that for the duration of my trip. Train tickets are much more expensive without a rail card. |
Language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say to not worry too much about the details; as an independent Wellesley woman, you can handle anything that up (and there's always Starbucks' Internet, Wikipedia, and Google). Be spontaneous; some of my best memories come from events that I had heard about the day before/day of and just decided to go. Also, don't put off studying for exams until the last day; make sure you get a sense of what the exams are like *before* you go to the exam hall. |