Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to take classes on AI and decision making while studying abroad at the London School of Economics. Both my time at LSE and my adventures traveling around the UK made my summer AMAZING, and it wouldn’t have happened without the help of the Rice study abroad office. When you make your first appointment, they assign you an advisor that walks you through the entire process (both before and after your time abroad). They guided me every step of the way — from helping me select a program and courses that aligned with my major to making sure that my post departure and credit forms went through — and also ensured that I met all necessary approvals before departing. They also helped me craft a budget, explore scholarship opportunities, and connect with students who had previously studied at LSE.

At LSE, I enrolled in two courses: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Art of Decision-Making. The academic structure at LSE was quite different from Rice. Each class that I took had a heavier focus on self-directed learning and reading. Developing a deep understanding of the material was emphasized, and so was contributing thoughtfully during seminars. A typical day included a 3-hour morning lecture, which usually featured an activity or a guest speaker, and then a 1-hour small group session in the afternoon, which was discussion and group-work based. In between classes, we would grab lunch at one of the many restaurants or pubs around campus. After the small group, we would explore different areas of London.

In addition to the academics, another highlight of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to build connections with professors and peers. The professors were experts in their fields and very approachable. They were always willing to engage in discussions after lectures or during office hours, and I even got the opportunity to work with one of my professors on her psychology research. LSE regularly hosts students from 100+ countries each summer, and I enjoyed meeting new faces and discovering each person’s unique perspective. 

Outside of class, LSE also hosted a social programme and various SPARK events. The social programme included a variety of events around London and day trips beyond the city (my favorites were the boat party and day trip to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio). The SPARK events were more focused on professional development, and encompassed everything from writing a compelling cover letter to discussing industry spotlights and learning coding skills.

I spent my weekends exploring London and the rest of the UK. Buses and trains were a safe and cheap option with student discounts, so I was able to travel all over! Bath was like a portal to the past with its elegant Georgian architecture and historic Roman Baths. And in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, I got to walk along the Royal mile and sing along at an iconic music festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I also got to see a few shows at London’s West End and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and even caught a match at Wimbledon!

My experience studying abroad at LSE allowed me to see the world through a new lens. From navigating the streets of London to exploring the UK, every moment brought new experiences and growth. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the Rice study abroad office!

-Radhani, Sid Richardson ‘26 (Published on 3/25/2025)