Learning, in and outside of the classroom Past Review

By (Economics., Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/21/2013 to 06/20/2014 with

London School of Economics (LSE): Direct Enrollment in LSE Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I matured a lot and gained independence being abroad. At the LSE, the academic and administrative system is very different from what I'm used to in the states and at times I felt like nobody really cared for you. However, this pushed me to adopt this "solve your own problems" mentality and gave me more confidence as well. I traveled solo to other country sometimes, since a lot of my friends at the LSE were full time students there so they didn't have the luxury of being able to 'cut themselves some slack' on school work. Despite the excitement from going to a new country, these were very stressful moments where I had to plan my own itinerary, make sure nothing was lost, etc.

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.

Much of the academic intensity was concentrated in the last two months leading up to final exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very quick to help when you reach out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of my student accommodation was extremely central in the city of London and easy access to the campus.

* Food:

I was on a student housing meal plan (included in the accommodation fees) and it was better than what I have in the states (healthier)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't integrate as much with the local culture since there is a large international body at the LSE, so the people I hung out with were from around the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad, thankfully so I also can't say much on the quality of healthcare in the UK.

* Safety:

Never did I feel unsafe in my neighborhood even at night times, though it does get rowdy sometimes in the city.

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)

Very well. London may be expensive however, if you don't eat out at restaurants normally and shop for clothes, it's not difficult to live on a student budget. I personally saved up during the academic semester and splurged when I travelled to other countries, going to good restaurants, buying what I wanted, etc

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? My weekly living expense was 70 pounds, spend on food and other small things. I was able to limit my spending mostly because dinner was covered.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The students at LSE. It's a very self selecting university and people there were very ambitious.
  • The course choices were very diverse and one of the ones I took, LSE was the university in the UK and most of the world to have a degree program in the subject.
* What could be improved?
  • The events organized for General Course students
  • The class teachers.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not take my classes too seriously. Upon reflection, I think I was too focused on my academic work that I sometimes forgot that I was abroad and to have a good time.