Past Review

By (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics., Providence College) for

IFSA: London - London School of Economics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I have a better understanding of who I am as a person and the views that I hold. I was very interested in the topics presented in my Public Economics class and now have ambitions of going to graduate school for a Masters in Public Policy/MBA dual degree. Throughout the year I also kept up with the news more than I did before.

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.

The experience studying at the LSE was very different than anything offered in the United States. Grades are also significantly lower in the UK because points are added from 0 (rather than deducted from 100), making a grade in the 60s a very good grade. It is also expected that no more than 5-10% of students will receive grades in the 70s(equivalent to an A).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The orientation IFSA-Butler gave was very helpful in meeting other people in my program. They also offered many trips and events to attend throughout the year. I was disappointed however in housing administration. Because they act as a "middle-man" between Providence College and LSE, I was not given the option to reject the housing offered to me which was less than optimal.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

First term: University of London housing, Nutford House, Marylebone. Second term: Private Housing, Bloomsbury (Russell Square) <br /><br /> First term: University of London housing, Nutford House, Marylebone. The neighborhood was very nice but the dorm itself was not nice. The food offered was almost un-edible. Rooms are all singles making the vibe unsocial. Nutford House was also an hour walk from LSE's campus. Second term: Because of unhappiness in the dorm I found a privately owned flat close to campus with 2 other American girls in my program. This made the biggest difference in my experience.

* Food:

Dorm food was very bad in quality and in selection. Food was rationed so only 1 vegetable was available to students (had to choose between a hot vegetable or a salad). Because of this I purchased most of my meals first term from the pre-made microwaveable meals at the grocery store.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Exploring London itself is a cultural experience. London is home to dozens of markets that are unlike anywhere else in the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in London nor did I get sick. It was always important to travel with a group when walking late at night.

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A very large unanticipated expense was the cost of joining a gym. It is important in general to budget money. London is home to many incredible shops that are fun to go in to but very expensive if you decide to buy anything there. It is important to be mindful of every pound spent.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The type of student that should enroll in this program must have a sense of adventure. Going abroad for a full year is a big change from home but well worth it if you have the correct attitude going into it. Students studying at LSE must also have the drive to study independently. This program is not a typical study abroad program, you actually have to study and work very hard even though you are in an amazing foreign city.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Public Economics

Course Department: Economics; EC325
Instructor: Class teacher: Jan Zapal, Lecturers: Henrik Kleven and Jonathon Leape
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my favorite class this year. The lecturers were very clear in their instruction and kept the class very interesting. The class teacher was also always prepared with relevant discussion questions.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Elements of Accounting and Finance

Course Department: Accounting; AC100
Instructor: Class teacher: Daniel Leiwy, 3 lecturers
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was very challenging. The class was equivalent to into and intermediate financial accounting, intro to managerial accounting and intro to finance. The lectures were given in a 500 person theater which was very different than Providence. The class teacher was very helpful throughout the year.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

European Economic Policy

Course Department: Economics; EC230
Instructor: Class teacher: Eleni K., Lecturer: Alan Marin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very different than expected. First term focused completely on general economics of integrated economies and second term focused on the EU specifically. The class teacher was very knowledgable but the lecturers were only mediocre.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Applied Environmental Economics

Course Department: Geography; GY222
Instructor: Erik Neumayer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting course that touched upon almost all aspects of basic environmental economics (resources, climate change, sustainability). Both lecturers were very good. Classes were based around student presentations.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.