I heard about this programme from someone on a previous scholarship, and it was in the papers. It was an opportunity to study at one of the best universities in Europe and to gain the perspective of living in another country – an enriching experience both academically and personally.
We would need to be at the university by about 9.30, for four hours of seminars, lectures and guest speakers, plus private study in the library for essays and presentations. I was impressed with the organisation and the teaching methodology. There was more pre-class reading than we have in the Basque country, and I wasn't used to the seminars or public speakers. The professors were really good and the learning system worked for me.
I learned a lot about different fields, and was most interested in comparative political economy and the 'EU in the world' module. I did a book review on Poverty and Prosperity, a presentation on the economic crisis and an essay on the barriers to Turkey's entrance to the EU. The most interesting lecture on our Harvard trip was on US security in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and the use of Guantanamo Bay.
We were given organised visits to museums, Parliament, City Hall etc, and we explored more of London at the weekends. At Halloween we wore fancy dress and went out for dinner. We went to a football match in the Emirates Stadium and saw Arsenal play Liverpool. It was an amazing atmosphere and the match was brilliant.
I was sharing a room, and there were five of us in the flat, which gave me practice in getting along with everyone. We did everything together, from travelling to class to cooking. We joked that it was like Big Brother!
The programme was one of the best experiences of my life and I'm really proud of my achievement. I also made friends with the other participants and among the LSE team, found out about another culture, polished up my English and fell in love with London.
I'm looking forward to using everything I've learned in my next job in the Basque country.
Usoa Agirre Retolaza, 2009 participant
With thanks to Olga Gretchoukhina for images