Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

LSE - immensely challenging; immensely rewarding. Past Review

By (HISTORY., Clark University) for

London School of Economics (LSE): London - General Course, Year-Long Study Abroad Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I feel that I learned a lot academically and non-academically and a lot about a different part of the world I was not too familiar with such as Europe, Asia, and Africa. While living in the heart of London it often felt that I was living in the heart of the world. When living in America I can feel that I'm living in America as most of the news is about American affairs, American problems, etc. While living in central London I always felt that I was kept aware of American news, but that I learned a lot about European political and cultural affairs as well as Asian and African affairs if not in the news then in the classroom. I was constantly meeting people from ALL over the world and I feel this had a large impact on shifting and enlarging my perspective of the world to a greater understanding of it. I feel I received a rich and diverse spectrum of viewpoints that challenged and broadened the vision I previously held. I also feel I am much more independent now and much more driven to better understand people and places. Studying at the LSE further inspired me to come home and work harder than I had before in my home university as it made me realize how fortunate I am to receive the education I've been receiving here.

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 academics at the London School of Economics were extremely challenging. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in the program to apply, but would caution that it is - from my experience - far more challenging and intense than most universities in America. The reading load is HEAVY and the exam system is far more strenuous and exhausting than my experience at my home university. At the same time, while demanding and exceptionally difficult, the academics at the LSE can be thoroughly rewarding and stimulating. i had great difficulty adjusting to the academic system there but found that once I developed my own routine for studying it was more manageable and realized that I was learning far more than I feel I had learned at my home university in comparable amounts of time. The perspectives you gain on different subjects are incredible and because the school is so international in its makeup, you get the opportunity to hear a variety of opinions and viewpoints on different subjects which in my opinion made the learning that much more fun and interesting. I would also warn prospective students not to let the reading load daunt them. I allowed myself to be daunted by it and learned late in the year that it was unnecessary. Just keep up with the essential readings and you will be fine. Overall, despite experiencing extreme difficulties with the work while there I do feel now that it was overall an immensely rewarding experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt overall they did a good job of being accessible to students and reaching out to students when necessary. Mark Hoffman, the Dean of the General Course, was wonderful as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my hall of residence. I lived in Passfield Hall and it was absolutely perfect for me. There was an endless variety of cafes, shops and restaurants within the immediate vicinity in addition to numerous major train and tube stations such as Euston Station and Kings Cross St. Pancras, for ex. The hall was really clean and well kept and there was a wonderful diversity both ethnically and age-wise amongst the students living there. The hall provided dinner as well which few LSE dorms provide, so that was a wonderful bonus. The location was amazing as well being only a 20 minute walk to LSE, which, compared to other halls was really not too bad.

* Food:

The food options within the vicinity were endless and wonderful. The hall dinners themselves were not too great, however, for what we were paying for accomodation I don't think it's fair to complain.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I cannot even begin to explain how wonderful the travel and cultural events/attractions there were. Travel from London was so easy and LSE provided many wonderful subsidized excursions to places within England such as Stongehenge National Park, to outside places such as Paris and Amsterdam. I would definitely recommend going on a few of those as they really were good fun and wonderfully enlightening.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety never really felt like an issue.

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)

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who are self-motivated, ready for a challenge, willing to work hard and learn, and who truly want to broaden their horizons.