LSE: Learn Something Extraordinary Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor was unlike anything I have experienced. Because courses were year long, the material covered was far more in depth and specific than any classes I have taken at Western. I would say that of all the years of schooling I have taken, the one I spent at LSE challenged me the most. However, resources were not as abudant as I was used to. The tutoring center did not have a central role on campus and was not well advertised. A lot of students were not aware there was a tutoring center.

On-site administration of your program

Orientation gave me chance to meet the people that were in my program while getting to know London at the same time. We stayed at a nice hotel not far from where my academic housing was. I was also provided with ample information about my future classes and the foreign grading scale. I didn't really interact with the program administration much after that except to have them alert me when one of my many replacement oytster cards came in the post. They seem like very kind people that truly care about helping you to have the best experience abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My academic housing was fairly average. Compared to my on-campus housing at Western, it was very similar. I had a single room with two bathrooms share by the entire floor. The neighborhood I was in is one of my favorite in London and was about a 20 minute walk to uni and central London. I lived near Angel station at Rosebery Hall.

The food, like the halls of residence, were very similar to Western. I was provided with 15 pounds a week for meals which allowed for about 3 or 4 meals a week. For the quality of the food I felt this was a bit expensive. Later in the year I ended up doing more of my own cooking.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The beginning of the program was difficult in terms of integration to the culture. I definitely experienced some culture shock and it took a while to adjust. In November I met the man I'm still seeing now. Dating someone abroad may not be for everyone but it immediately brought me into the British culture and someday I intend to move back. Getting to know local students is challenging but extremely rewarding in terms of the level of integration you'll experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The UK has a wonderful health care system for study abroad students. With the NHS students have access to free services and very inexpensive prescriptions. Birth control and other contraceptives are completely free as well.

Safety was a bit of an issue for me in London. This is due to the fact that I'm a forgetful and somewhat clumsy person. I got a bag stolen that contained school books, my ipod, my wallet, and my ipad which was pretty upsetting. I got my phone and wallet stolen a few months later. However, I would say London is fairly safe as long as you take all the necessary precautions and are aware of your belongings.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

London is well known as one of the most expensive cities in the world so it is not surprising that I was spending anywhere from $130 - $240 a week. Things like food and expenses were managable on a small budget. However, studying for an entire year means spending more on birthdays and special occasions.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Meeting my fiancé
• Travelling around Europe
• Challenging myself academically

• Tutoring for international students