Monty Python and the LSE Past Review

There is nothing quite like experiencing studying abroad for yourself. You hear stories and see photos and try to imagine yourself in that position, but once you get there, nothing is how you imagined. At first, you have to learn how to get information and orientate yourself. Then, you begin to meet people and it hits you how diverse everyone is. Each person has a unique life story and their own perspectives, which challenge you to really think about your own beliefs and values. The biggest challenge in terms of studying was gauging the knowledge I was gaining compared to my classmates. First off, the grading system puts a lot less pressure on local students to attend lectures and put forth extra effort to do well on assignments. As a study abroad student, however, our grades depend on our effort and participation throughout the year, so it's a challenge to set your own study habits. Secondly, students there do not often like to show off their knowledge in classes. When a teacher poses a question to the class, they are reluctant to answer. For me, I automatically raise my hand because participation has always been a large part of my learning. Often, the teacher will call on another student sitting quietly, and they give such an eloquent, well-thought out, integrated, complex answer that makes you embarrassed about the answer you had prepared. So, while you might feel like your hours of study have given you the knowledge you need, your classmates have an intimidating amount of knowledge on the subjects. It pushes you to study harder and really spend time engaging with the material, instead of just knowing it. Not only did I learn about living and studying abroad, but I also gained valuable organization, research, cultural, and travel skills. A year in a new place is a fair amount of time to really get to know your surroundings. In conclusion, my abroad experience was unquestionably worthwhile. By the end of it, I felt like a true Londoner - giving people directions, using "lifts" instead of "elevators," knowing how many stops the tube would take me, and getting annoyed at tourists during tourist season. To anyone considering studying abroad, I recommend it with all of my heart!