Student Perspectives
Why do a study abroad semester?
There are many things to consider before embarking on a study abroad semester - where to go being the primary question. Every country, city and university will have its unique selling points and different appeal. Some students may prefer a quiet university near the countryside whereas others will prefer an exciting, urban experience. Whatever your choice, you should not miss out on one of the best experiences a young adult at university can have. You are able to live and study as a native would while developing your independence, confidence, social skills, academic knowledge and hopefully your appreciation of your host country and university. You get all this while still having the comfort of a support network in the form of the International Office. It is rare to meet a student who regretted doing a semester abroad and it can only enhance your appeal to future employers to have a study abroad semester or year listed on your CV. It does involve a lot of research and preparation but the benefits far outweigh any niggling doubts you may have.
But there's no need to take our word for it - just take a look at what some of LondonMet's former Study in London students have had to say and then think to yourself - "What am I waiting for?"
What they said...
"I will never forget my semester at London Met. At the beginning I was worried about friends, classes and accommodation. Once I arrived, everything was so easy. I made friends from all over the world and I learned so much with all the seminars that the London Met offers. I really enjoyed my time in London because the city brings you the opportunity to do so many things and discover so many places. The services from the Library at London Met are amazing; I could find much information for all my projects and the computers from the library are perfect to prepare essays and presentations. I definitely recommend this experience to all students."
Alberto Girones – Barcelona, Spain - Autumn semester 2009/10
"Looking back I would say that it was my greatest experience so far. I have not only made a lot of friends, especially with students all over the world, which has increased my cultural awareness, but also developed my professional skills. I really like the academic atmosphere of the London Met. On the one hand you have got the lectures, but then you have got the personal atmosphere in small groups within the seminar sessions. Especially in the seminars, I have improved my English skills, because of group works and presentations. All in all the organization, the modules, the library and the lecturers of the London Met were brilliant, and I really enjoyed to study there.
The other nice fact of my abroad semester was the city itself. London offers a huge variety of leisure activities and cultural activities like museums or other exhibitions. But at the same time the nightlife and the shopping streets are awesome!
It was my greatest experience ever, and I would recommend everyone to do an abroad semester in London!"
Andreas Lauk - Germany - Spring semester 2009/10
"I never participated in an exchange programme while I was still studying in upper secondary school. Therefore, when my time as a university student started, I was determined to spend some time outside Finland studying – and hopefully learning something about a different culture and getting to know new people. Also, all the universities – and even the government and society in my home country – encourage students to go abroad. The experiences gained are well appreciated and almost vital for young Finns nowadays when considering one’s future and luck in working life. So one could say I had logical and sensible reasons to leave the familiar environment for a few months. But above all, I just really wanted to see the world.
My department at University of Helsinki had several exchange programmes around Europe and even the globe. Still, to my sorrow, United Kingdom was not included and that actually was the place I wanted to go. I am a history and literature student and my specialised field of study is Great Britain. Going to UK would therefore be most reasonable. In addition, I have always been interested in UK and its history, people and culture. But I have to admit that always means basically the length of my memory which is approximately ten years. I thought I would get the most out of the exchange if I spent the time somewhere where I truly longed to be.
I chose London Metropolitan for three reasons. First, I love London and living there for a semester would be nearly a dream come true (the best thing would be living there without a certain date of departing). Secondly, I checked numerous web pages and the one for Study in London students of London Met was convincing. And lastly I found out that quite a lot of Finns have either studied or are still studying at London Met. ‘If they can manage it, I can too’, I thought.
I left London and London Met a month ago and I do miss everything. Britons are by far the nicest people I know and we share the same sense of humour. I value the lecturers I met greatly. I think they were professional and enthusiastic. I most certainly enjoyed the lectures and particularly the seminars. The atmosphere was cheering and informative. London was everything I expected and more. Furthermore, I had time to travel around the country and during the Easter holidays I did a tour to Ireland. There were only two negative things I had to face: saying goodbye to London and Marmite."
Laura - Finland - Spring semester 09/10
"I studied at London Metropolitan University for one semester. I took four modules offered by the London Metropolitan Business School and the Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations which gave me the chance to deepen my background in business studies, finance and international politics. This was an excellent addition to my degree program at my home university in Germany. I also took part in the Open Language Programme and had the opportunity to further improve my language skills, especially in the area of business communications.
During my time in London I met many interesting people from countries all around the world and I am very glad I took the chance to study in one of the most exciting cities in the world. My stay in London helped me to get to know the British culture and provided me with a deep insight into the way of life in the United Kingdom. I believe this experience was personally and professionally very important for me."
Leonhard Kemnitzer - Würzburg, Germany – Autumn semester 2010/11
Thank you very much for a fantastic semester abroad and I can only recommend London Met. I loved the people and London really is a wonderful city to study in. Many thanks.
Isabell Muelke - Munich, Germany - Spring semester 2010/11
I really enjoyed my time at London Met so much. I first was worried about the size of the University as my University in Germany was much smaller. But soon I met people from all parts of the world, got a lot of new and fantastic friends and learned a lot in the very personal seminars and lectures that my programme offered. I really liked my lecturers as they really cared about me doing well and they were really good teachers.
London is a great city to meet new people and have a fantastic time. I am definitely thinking of coming back here one day:)
Student from Germany - Spring semester 2010/11
