MA in International Political Economy at London School of Economics and Political Science 2006-07

Much like mid-term exams provides an opportunity to review past work, moving towards the midway point of my UK adventure provides me with an opportunity to reflect on my London experiences. It seemed like just yesterday that the bells of St. Paul's Cathedral acted as my alarm clock as I used a local hostel as a base for my flat hunting. After setting what I believe to be a record for seeing the most flats in a 5-day period in London, I settled on one nestled near both a tube station and a bus stop - essential things if one wants to use time efficiently in this town (something you quickly get accustomed to). The city is so vast, you have to think ahead to avoid any unnecessary trips home. Once school starts your time is your most important asset and precious resource. Because there is simply so much going on in this bustling city, in addition to being diligent with school work, to see time wasted. As such, getting your school-play balance just right is a constant challenge. It can be done if you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish during your time in the UK.

In terms of my school-play balance I have had the opportunity to obtain some great experiences thus far - from exploring the south of England and participating in a Franco-British conference hosted by Oxford to jogging along the Thames and volunteering at a school. School itself has been wonderful. The most positive aspect about it is not so much the lectures, classes and seminars (even though they've been stimulating). It's the great network of individuals you inevitably befriend in an institution such as this. They come from all walks of life and all four corners of the world. They are bright and bold, cosmopolitan and challenging. And they all have an interesting story to tell.

Being awarded the Chevening Scholarship, you certainly do get a sense that you are an ambassador for your country. It's funny how often you are called upon to play that role - quite often educating someone on the sidewalk, in a shop, in a party or in class that, upon hearing your accent, asks what part of America you are from. Inevitably, when you tell them that you're from Canada, they'll pepper you with all sorts of questions from the politics of the country to whether you know their cousin John in Vancouver.

The first half of the U.K. adventure has been hard work, yet lots of fun. I'm looking forward to the second half. Thank you British Council for this memorable experience.