A Truly Rewarding Experience August 24, 2026

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/29/2025 to 06/28/2026 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?
It was definitely a worthwhile experience. Studying abroad helped me become more independent, confident, and adaptable. I had the opportunity to experience a different academic environment, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and explore new cultures. It also pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and academically

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.

* 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? Yes

Yes. I would definitely choose the same program again. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to grow both academically and personally, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience life in a new country. I am very grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend the program to other students.

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? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • different academic environment
  • exploring London
  • travelling
* What could be improved?
  • I had a very positive experience overall.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how quickly the experience would go by. I would have made an even greater effort from the beginning to explore more, meet new people, try new things, and take advantage of every opportunity the program offered.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'