Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very Expensive year abroad, but well worth it! Past Review

By (Politics, Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/30/2012 to 07/12/2013 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?
I learned to study with more self discipline since there are only final exams at LSE. I also learned to party harder. Balancing those two is a skill that is definitely worth while to have.

Review Photos

London School of Economics (LSE): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo London School of Economics (LSE): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo London School of Economics (LSE): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo London School of Economics (LSE): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo London School of Economics (LSE): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

LSE was a very difficult course. It was great to study each for the entire academic year as opposed to the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in central London. It was very nice and convenient but quite expensive.

* 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? 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)

London is even more expensive than what we planned for.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $160 without rent
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't live in central London if money is an issue.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staying a full year
  • Academic Challenge
  • British culture
* What could be improved?
  • Being helped from the airport
  • Having a London contact before landing
  • Increased financial planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I understood the importance of self-study and discipline before going on this program. With only one 3hr exam at the end of the academic year, it is easy for even the smartest students to screw up.

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!