LSE: Nerdy But Rewarding Past Review

By (Quantitative Economics; International Relations, Tufts 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?
I had possibly the best year of my life. I made some life-long friends, got to understand a new culture, and was exposed to so many different people from all over the world. Also, living on your own in a big city forces you to be more independent and mature much faster. It was so difficult to force myself on a plane to come back to the States; I'm already looking for ways to go back to live in London!

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned the most from going to public lectures and having interesting conversations with professors, TAs and peers outside of class, not from studying for exams!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Dean of General Course is extremely helpful with transfer of credit, changing classes, and other administrative problems. He tries to get to know each General Course student and is very engaged with the student body.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Butler's Wharf Hall: I was placed into a flat with six other LSE students; two of whom were also in the General Course. This was the best way to get to know locals who are otherwise would not have had an opportunity to know so well.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Having the time and opportunity to be able so liberally throughout Europe. None were arranged through my program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

LSE has a health services department, but I thankfully never had to use it. In cases of emergency, NHS makes healthcare very accessible. For non-emergencies, getting to care is a huge hassle because you must register for an insurance number which takes months.

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? London is expensive, but it's still possible to be frugal. Allocate enough money to travel, because it's the most expensive, but often most rewarding part of your overall experience!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans
* 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? If you plan to go into finance, you should definitely go to LSE.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Monetary Economics

Course Department: EC321
Instructor: Jackman / Sinclair
Instruction Language: English
Comments: One of the most difficult classes I have ever taken; one of the most rewarding classes I have ever taken.
Credit Transfer Issues: