Reviews of The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) | United Kingdom

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“Unique programs”

Renata R

Finland, Undergraduate
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies, 2020

Overall

SOAS offers a large scale of unique and truly interesting undergraduate programs. These include Middle Eastern studies, Persian and Arabic, Chinese and Developmental studies. What makes SOAS truly unique is its' concentration on nonwestern scholars and curriculum that does not focus solely on the western perspective.

Pros

one of a kind degree

Cons

unorganised

Useful | 2

Narmin J

University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Development Studies, Graduate, Independent

Overall

I wish I had known...

Sometimes it's difficult to understand the various accents in London - it's okay to ask people to repeat themselves as long as you don't do it too much. People in London don't smile at strangers or in general - if you do people will think you're strange. Most people won't make eye contact with you on the street unless they know you. Before travelling to different areas in London find out safety information.

In my opinion:

Most people loved it.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

3

Costs

4

Activities

2

Campus life

3

Party / people

3

Weather / location

2

Personal recommendation

A more even weighting needs to be implemented for exams, essays and participation. For example 50% final exam, 30% essays, and 20% participation. Other than that, the university atmosphere is wonderful. The professors reflect the diversity in the classroom. SOAS has a great academic and student atmosphere!

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

1

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

When in London do as much travelling around Euroope as you can! Most countries are close by. If you fly first consult secondary airlines like Ryan Air. You can also take buses and the Eurotrain to visit countries. A visit to Spain, France and Italy are a MUST!

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“A place to become an independent thinker”

Malin E

United States, Graduate
Development Studies, 2019

Overall

SOAS finds knowledgeable and engaged professors. There is a course for everyone. I am particularly drawn to the diversity of the students and the intersectional content of the courses. I was happy to do my masters there in migration studies.

Pros

courses, community, resources

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“A place to become an independent thinker”

Malin E

United States, Graduate
Development Studies, 2019

Overall

SOAS finds knowledgeable and engaged professors. There is a course for everyone. I am particularly drawn to the diversity of the students and the intersectional content of the courses. I was happy to do my masters there in migration studies.

Pros

courses, community, resources

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“SOAS is a truly global school”

Madeleine C

United Kingdom, Graduate
Journalism, 2015

Overall

SOAS is a fantastic school that will throughly globalize your world view. There are many opportunities to learn new things and immerse yourself in the student experience. Management, however, is quite bad.

Pros

international, critical, alternative

Cons

bad management

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