Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging But Worthwhile August 31, 2025

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/22/2024 to 06/13/2025 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 gained independence, confidence, and maturity. These are all invaluable qualities that you really can't maximize without leaving your comfort zone like this in my opinion.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Spending an academic year abroad at the London School of Economics was a transformative experience. Coming from an American university, I found the structure and level of support quite different—there is less hand-holding at LSE, and students are expected to take more ownership of their academic and personal progress. While that adjustment was challenging at first, it ultimately helped me grow in independence and resilience. Academically, the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in public policy was invaluable. The courses were rigorous and intellectually stimulating, encouraging me to think critically about pressing global challenges. Beyond the classroom, studying in London provided countless opportunities to travel and immerse myself in different cultures, enriching my understanding of the world in ways that extended far beyond academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in central London! Super accessible to everything!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Contrary to popular opinion, I enjoyed being abroad for a full academic year. Settling into a new country for just a few months does not offer the same scope and depth as a full year does. You really feel at home by the end of your time abroad and have the opportunity to create lasting friendships. You also don't have as much pressure to travel every weekend, and instead spend plenty of time getting to know your host country.

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)

Very expensive city to be in, spent at least $200/week on food and transportation plus more on travel and shopping

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-$400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a priorities list and allocate a budge accordingly. Ask for student discounts anywhere and everywhere - London offers so many.

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
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?
  • Location
  • Culture
  • Social
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Food
  • Expense
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how difficult the UK grading system was and how different university is structured from America. Office hours, tutoring, and writing centers aren't really a thing there, and you have to come with the ability to handle academic pressure and independent study.

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!