Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A steep learning curve - but other experiences make up for it Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/01/2012 to 06/21/2013 with

London School of Economics (LSE): London - General Course, Year-Long Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Essentially, I got a fairer education outside the classroom than I did inside it. The format of General Course (finals = 100% of final grade) was an extremely difficult pill to swallow -- and one I'm still not satisfied with -- but the overall experience was worth it because now I have friends from three different continents that I would not have otherwise met.

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.

Academics was extremely rigorous and intense; however, resources and other help available to General Course students were sub-par.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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? £150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prioritize what's important to you and adjust your budget accordingly. If eating better quality (therefore, more expensive) food is more important than wearing the latest fashionable clothes, then you will have to prepare to forego the latter.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Motivated/diverse group of students
  • Location (being in Central London)
  • Some caring/qualified/competent/dedicated TAs
* What could be improved?
  • More generous grading scheme for international students (like first years)
  • TAs who display a certain level of effort
  • Antiquated dormitory facilities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The "classroom grade" is extremely subjective and getting one-on-one time with the professor or advisor (or even TA) is a privilege at other institutions, not a right (as it is at Wellesley).

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!