A Year of Academic and Personal Growth in the Best City in the World Past Review

By (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/09/2017 to 06/09/2017 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?
If you can spend a year abroad in an unfamiliar city and in an unfamiliar academic setting, you can do anything.

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.

World-class faculty/professors. I had some incredible teaching assistants as well, while others were average. Month and a half of finals are a stressful time though- so make the most of the first two terms.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dean of General Course was helpful in the beginning of the year. However, any active administration involvement stopped there. The program did little to bring the General Course participants together to form a community. More social events in the beginning of the year that encouraged meeting GC students from other residence halls/departments would have made the experience much better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in High Holborn. The location can't be beat, and I highly recommend it. Close to every possible Underground line you could need. Covent Garden is also at your doorstep. Close walk to M&S and Sainsbury's grocery stores as well that had everything you would need. Only drawback was that the hall had little common areas, as the flats only shared kitchen/bathroom. Great reception staff too.

* 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

While I the course load was tough, and I couldn't travel as much as my friends on other programs as a result, I was exposed to people and subjects that made me a more well-rounded person. Due to LSE attracting students from every corner of the world, I made friends from the UK and beyond that I will definitely stay in touch with.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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?
  • Professors
  • The City
  • The LSE students
* What could be improved?
  • General Course administration
  • 100% of grade being based off final exam
  • Lack of community feeling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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!