The Best Experience of My Life June 30, 2024

By (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2023 to 06/14/2024 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?
I feel like a completely new person. I am more resilient, outgoing, and conscientious. I also learned so much from my program, inspiring me to thesis.

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.

Interesting classes, very rigorous, wide access to resources

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in an intercollegiate Hall. RAs and warden were unresponsive to needs.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Able to get flu vaccine through LSE, but accessing my medications was difficult and I ultimately had to be over-prescribed in the US to last through the year

* Safety:

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

This was amazing! I not only loved LSE, but also the city of London

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)

Mostly due to London's current cost-of-living crisis

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of your accommodation and university for food, and research student discounts beforehand

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Academics
  • Location
  • Intercollegiate housing
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how expensive London is

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!