Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It will be the highlight of your college experience. August 17, 2026

By (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/21/2025 to 06/19/2026 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 a lot about geopolitics and geoeconomics. I also learned how truly different British culture was from American culture.

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.

Phenomenal experience. Going abroad for a year is the best decision you can make; however, it is very expensive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They clean the public spaces regularly, very clean environment.

* Food:

It is not as bad as people say. London's a multicultural city and there are so many options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think it is pretty difficult to integrate with British culture simply because their humor is very different and their social culture is very different as well. In any conversation as an American, it will be very clear that you are not from there. Not just based on the accent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues there, so I wouldn't really know.

* Safety:

I always felt safe but a few friends got their phones stolen.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would certainly do it all again. After my first semester, I was so thankful I was going to have a second semester, as one semester certainly would have felt too short.

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

  • 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?
  • The courses offered
  • The length of the program
  • The location of the school
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities for people on the general course to meet other students on the general course.
  • Being made aware of how final exams were going to look in the beginning of the year.
  • More affordable trips offered.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much more difficult final exams were going to be.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.