Came for the academics, stayed for the non-academic experience Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2016 to 06/01/2017 with
London School of Economics (LSE): London - General Course, Year-Long Study Abroad Programme
While I thought I would be studying my majors at a deeper level, I learned more about myself and how to learn independently while at LSE. I traveled around Europe, and learned to navigate the city by myself, and these were the most valuable parts of my experience abroad. I also gained a greater appreciation for my home institution and the American academic experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The pedagogical approach to teaching and learning is very different in the UK in general, and particularly relative to liberal arts colleges in the states. Lectures are large, and teachers/professors do not give much individual interest in students or teaching; they are mainly focused on their own research, and instruct courses on the side. As a result, actual class time is somewhat unfulfilling, and most learning occurs independently at the end of the year, when you teach yourself while reviewing for exams. There is little accountability throughout the year, and thus little engagement with students as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The General Course program is fairly well established, and Dean Mark Hoffman is very helpful and attentive. That said, the system in general is a bit overwhelming in the first few weeks because there is little supervision and students must be proactive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Typical dorm arrangements. |
| * Food: |
Food at the dining hall was decent; food in London has plenty of options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was difficult to become integrated into British culture, particularly if you do not want to go to a pub every weekend. That said, if you engage with student clubs there is an opportunity to meet British and international students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had an optometrist appointment and was incredibly satisfied with the service and value for money compared to healthcare in the States. |
| * Safety: |
London generally felt safer than most American cities, and I had no problems with safety, even walking home alone regularly at night as a young female. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I chose LSE because of its international reputation, and over Oxford because I wanted to live in the city and be able to travel abroad easily. Unfortunately, the academic experience was not all that I had hoped for, but I did enjoy certain aspects of my coursework and besides classes, had a phenomenal experience living in London and having access to the LSE resources, such as the library and public lectures (with the president of the European Parliament, Italian Prime Minister, etc.). |
Finances
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* 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 an expensive city, and while there are some free options, transportation and food can add up quickly. I obtained a part-time job while I was here to help cover the costs of living. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a student NUS and potentially railcard if you plan on travelling within the UK; these are worth it long term in terms of saving. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The academic system and university experience as a whole is less community-oriented and personal. Thus, one must seek out support and local friends more because people do not live together or stay together on campus. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
