Parliament Up Close Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The lecturers were wonderful people who were very approachable and available. They would provide extensive individual feedback when asked and provided perspectives on my work I would not have received otherwise. The academics are more rigorous than a typical study abroad program I believe, with as much, if not more, writing than a typical semester. However, with attention to deadlines and some future planning this is totally manageable. The UK educational system is more independently minded than a typical American student is probably used to, but if you feel you have an ability to turn in work without being given prior deadlines, the program is completely do-able. The academics enlightened me about the structural challenges and strengths of the British parliamentary system and provided me with a chance to challenge myself while being given any support I would need. As LSE associate students we did not technically have all of the resources a typical LSE student would receive, but I never found that to be an issue in research/on campus, etc.

On-site administration of your program

Due to the snap election of Fall 2019, Staff had to arrange an alternative program for those of us with parliamentary internships. This, and all other programming they arranged, was packed with interesting speakers and study visits to best understand British politics and history. The Hansard Society really does have fantastic connections. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and have handled basically any study abroad situation you could imagine. They worked tirelessly to secure internships for the Scholars which matched their interests and then created new activities when Parliament dissolved, while staying relevant and focused on the British political scene and the implications of the election as it was being campaigned.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our building was clean, functional, and in a great location. There was only about a 20 to 30 minute commute to class and the internship sites and the tube was extremely accessible. All of the program participants happened to be housed in one building which was very conducive to bonding. There were a variety of different sized flats with most people sharing a room but with a maximum of four to a floor. Expect smaller than what you are used to due to London's expensive real estate, but location, accessibility, and cleanliness with Anglo Education's weekly cleaning service more than makes up for it.

The food in London is, of course, phemomenal but expensive. There were more affordable grocery stores in the area which made inexpensive home cooking easy.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is really what you make it. The UK has a bigger drinking culture than most Americans, even college students, are often exposed to. Pubs will be the place you interact with locals the most in all likelihood. If this does not appeal to you, community events like farmers markets and local shops also provide a way to feel integrated with the community. As London is such an international city, people you were interacting also came from all over Europe and the world, so it never felt very strange to be an American. It might be harder to meet non-Americans as you are exclusively taking classes and living with other program participants. But, the internship allowed me to develop relationships with my co-workers and be exposed to British workplace culture in a way I would not have on another program, which was rewarding in itself.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The NHS is an amazing health service should you have any emergencies, but private healthcare is what most study abroad students will have to do for visits. The program provided a list of doctors and clinics who had worked with American study abroad students before so would presumably take whatever international insurance you had. However, I just looked through my providers database on covered practices to see someone about sinus infection symptoms. Keep in mind you will have to pay between 100-200 pounds as a co-pay which you will then have to then have to bill insurance, but the health care received was excellent.

The program provided me with a great internship and rigorous academics which allowed me to make a great comparative political study of the British system and really immerse myself in a whole new political culture. The Programme staff and fellow participants were wonderful and provided me with memories I'll cherish always.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

London is a very expensive city but there are still ways to live affordably. Home cooking was easy due to the surrounding affordable grocery stores and there is so much free cultural events/entertainment in London. The tube is incredibly convenient and fast, and much cheaper than cabs, but factoring this into weekly expenses is also crucial. Traveling, shopping, and eating out is what is going to make London expensive, but staying aware of how much you want to spend for the week/month will allow you to afford those things should you choose to partake. Factor in ATM/transaction fees as well!

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