Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience to Remember August 15, 2022

By (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/27/2021 to 06/17/2022 with

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?
The experience was definitely worthwhile. There's nothing I wish I'd known before going that isn't just learning-while-doing, so I just suggest any prospective General Course students just go in ready to have a new experience, and be surprised by all the things they don't know.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was very academically rigorous. It's a very different academic system than most American colleges and universities. Students will often hear how different it is to have only one or two assignments and exams matter throughout the year. My advice, especially to humanities students, is to be aware that grading criteria for essays is very different. Academic papers are written in a different style in the UK, and I encourage other students to go to instructors' office hours to learn about it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program overall is great. At times it can feel like the institution of the LSE is very big, a bit bureaucratic, but I think that was just a surprise to me coming from a smaller school.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an all-LSE residence hall with food provided. It will be different to most American students that food is only served for one meal per day.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The school doesn't really deal with health care so much as it facilitates students' registration with the NHS. I had one unfortunate experience with the NHS involving difficulty getting an appointment and not-amazing care once I got there, but I think that can happen with any country's healthcare system at one time or another. During the pandemic, the LSE was very effective. The school provided tests and required recent negative results to get into buildings for, I believe, the whole year.

* Safety:

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

I would choose the same program, but I would love to have a chance at another year with all the lessons I had to learn in the past year. With another shot at it, I might have gone on a few more adventures and made a few more friends.

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)

Students should probably be aware that London is a big city with a high cost of living, and the American dollar fluctuates in strength compared to the pound. I think anyone can live on a budget at the LSE, I and plenty of my friends did, but you have to make sure you're checking in on your expenses. And, again, be aware that food expenses will be very different based on the living situation you choose.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • New friends
  • A different way of university life
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Academic preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? For an American, it's going to be a completely different academic experience.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!