Past Review
By Vilena K (HISTORY., SUNY - Binghamton) for
London School of Economics (LSE): London - General Course, Year-Long Study Abroad Programme
I have learned a lot about London, and its qualities and history. I have learned a lot about English educational system. And I had a great opportunity to study at LSE and had a chance to study with interesting professors, and get involved with interesting organizations. LSE helped me to choose my career path by showing me the reality of my profession.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload at London school of economics was heavier than at Binghamton University, mainly because expectation from the assessed work is higher. The grading system in London school of economics is tough. Grade 70 , which is "A" is very hard to achieve even with adequate effort. For native student 100% of the grade depend on the the exam. However, the academic achievement can hardly be measured just from the results of the exam, since exam grading was very strict. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
An Orientation was held in the beginning of the year. The educational system, and academic expectation were explained during the orientation week. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Residency, Borough station, Sidney Webb House <br /><br /> I have lived in a residency. My flat had 8 people and we shared a kitchen, each of us had individual bathrooms. Social events were frequent. The dorm is mainly for Master's student, and most of then are international. Very safe neighborhood, close to the center. |
| * Food: |
yea |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bella Center, Copenghagen ; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Minister of Finance of Serbia, Governer of the Bank of Serbia, Crowned Prince of Serbia, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia, Stonehenge |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Since it is a big city future students should be adequate with their safety, and not to walk at night alone, and be alert at any point. Phone stealing is common. |
| 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 have spend approximately 40 pounds on food shopping, and 12 pounds per week if I took a bus, as oppose to walking. If I would go to a restaurant 20 pounds would have been a minimum. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would advice using red buses, as they are cheap and can take you anywhere as oppose to tube, which is less effective, time consuming and pricy. Unexpected expenses can include: there are lots of temptations in London . Rail trips are money consuming, restaurants are pricy. Laundry is 2 pounds per load. Overdue fees in the library are tremendous, printing is pricy. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would highly recommend this program to anyone who in interested in what is happening in the world, and who would like an academic challenge. This is a great opportunity for students who want to learn about issues by getting involved in them. LSE provide opportunities for direct involvement with your career path |
