Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unhinged yet orderly May 14, 2023

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2022 to 06/16/2023 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?
Surviving and thriving in a big city. Took challenging and unique courses not offered in many American universities. Learned how to take care of myself in the “real world.”

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 130 dollars/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pret-a-manger subscription, take student ID everywhere for discounts

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
  • 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?
  • Location
  • University resources
  • Visiting student opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Felt stranded by Wellesley
  • Preparation for different learning environment and expectations
  • Better preparation for living without catering and in an expensive city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive and (occasionally) dangerous London could be. I had to learn how to create a budget and stay safe on my own and with much trial and error. I wish I had a workshop about how to create budget, a weekly expense estimate, and a self-defense class BEFORE arriving to my program and being released into a big city (especially when compared to Wellesley’s campus). This could have reduced my stress level and some unpleasant/scary experiences I had to navigate on my own.

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!