Challenging, but an incredible learning experience that I'll never forget! Past Review
By A student (Providence College) - abroad from 09/25/2012 to 07/06/2013 with
IFSA: London - London School of Economics
While abroad at the LSE I was challenged both academically and personally. I have become far more independent, made new friends, and am now strongly considering a career that differs from my original path - due in large part to the courses I took while at the LSE.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While abroad at the LSE be prepared to work. The academic system in Europe is quite different, and adjusting to the reduced contact hours and larger lecture sizes may take a bit of time. But overall I found the courses to be very interesting, albeit challenging, and my professors were all knowledgeable and passionate about their field of study. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IFSA is there to support you every step of the way, from the group flight out to London to the send off party during finals. The General Course Dean at the LSE is also very friendly and accommodating, and is more than willing to meet with you to discuss any and all concerns. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Carr Saunders Hall is mainly a freshman hall. Dinner was served every night Mon-Fri and single rooms were rather spacious. Only downside is the 30 minute walk to campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
LSE has a student healthcare facility on campus and appointments were easy to make. I found the medical staff to be very friendly and knowledgeable. |
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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? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | London is a very expensive place to live, but by taking advantage of the dinners provided by my accommodation during the week and making myself sandwiches to bring to campus for lunch I tried to keep costs as low as possible. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of being in Europe - travel as much as your academic schedule will allow! Some dorms do not allow you to stay during breaks (between each of the three terms) so make sure you are aware of that! Grades at the LSE are largely determined by an end of the year exam that covers all of the course work from the year - make sure you're prepared! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
