Up and in London. Past Review
By Tyler P (HISTORY., University of the Pacific) for
Arcadia: London - London School of Economics
My plans have not changed. This experience was a dream realized. I gained a network of peers who will undoubtably come up in numerous unimaginable circumstances later in life, just like I reconnected with a random of old friends while in abroad. The experience did give me an opportunity to better understand the diverse yet increasingly homogenous european community.
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. |
While I had less contact time with faculty than I do at my home university the lectures and peer interactions where outstanding. There were few assignments that were graded. The grades for a year long course are largely dependent on final exams for which you are given over a month to prepare independently. The writing style was much more focused on answering nuances of questions than on presenting a volume of fact. The quality of classes, which are lead by phd students are entirely dependent on the degree of participation of the students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was a member of the LSE general course. The program that handles international students. There have been a few student run events, but the administration provided little support. There are three hundred participants who share an advisor. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Bankside hall, where I live is fantastic. It is a bit removed from the cities conveniences like late night shopping, but has a vibrant social life. Most of the rooms are singles. As an american I thought it typical to share a room and did so. While it was nice to meet a local I would have preferred to meet fellow students in the well visited common room and bar. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to travel Europe with a an outside program arranged by arcadia. It was pricey, but much cheeper and more engaging than traveling independently. I was also invited home by a couple of classmates it was a great opportunity to see family life in the UK. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I try to live on ten pounds a day (16 dollars) and it is hardly enough. The city is very expensive in comparison with any where in the United States apart from possibly midtown manhattan. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be prepared to pay about 6 dollars a beer in London. I use beer as a measure of cost of living as it is universal and a near necessity of college life. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would recommend this program to any student who loves the study of social sciences and would like to approach their subject from a new vantage point. To succeed here one must be self motivated. To have make the most of the experience here one must be both tireless and adventurous. |
