Up and in London. Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of the Pacific) for

Arcadia: London - London School of Economics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My plans have not changed. This experience was a dream realized. I gained a network of peers who will undoubtably come up in numerous unimaginable circumstances later in life, just like I reconnected with a random of old friends while in abroad. The experience did give me an opportunity to better understand the diverse yet increasingly homogenous european community.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While I had less contact time with faculty than I do at my home university the lectures and peer interactions where outstanding. There were few assignments that were graded. The grades for a year long course are largely dependent on final exams for which you are given over a month to prepare independently. The writing style was much more focused on answering nuances of questions than on presenting a volume of fact. The quality of classes, which are lead by phd students are entirely dependent on the degree of participation of the students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was a member of the LSE general course. The program that handles international students. There have been a few student run events, but the administration provided little support. There are three hundred participants who share an advisor.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Bankside hall, where I live is fantastic. It is a bit removed from the cities conveniences like late night shopping, but has a vibrant social life. Most of the rooms are singles. As an american I thought it typical to share a room and did so. While it was nice to meet a local I would have preferred to meet fellow students in the well visited common room and bar.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to travel Europe with a an outside program arranged by arcadia. It was pricey, but much cheeper and more engaging than traveling independently. I was also invited home by a couple of classmates it was a great opportunity to see family life in the UK.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I try to live on ten pounds a day (16 dollars) and it is hardly enough. The city is very expensive in comparison with any where in the United States apart from possibly midtown manhattan.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to pay about 6 dollars a beer in London. I use beer as a measure of cost of living as it is universal and a near necessity of college life.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
* 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? I would recommend this program to any student who loves the study of social sciences and would like to approach their subject from a new vantage point. To succeed here one must be self motivated. To have make the most of the experience here one must be both tireless and adventurous.