Studying Abroad

Olya Voronetskaya '17 always wanted to go to London. As a junior, the Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) student got her chance when she decided to study abroad at the renowned London School of Economics for a year.

In fact, Voronetskaya was the first IBE student to study abroad for a full year, and she had a lot of assistance through the planning process and course selection.  She said it was a fuller experience and that she "really wanted to soak everything up."

Having completed much of the math-heavy coursework for her IBE degree in her first two years at Lehigh, she was able to enjoy courses in London that offered her a broad perspective, such as international relations and an advanced economics course. Another course in international political theory, in particular, she said, taught her to think differently and to see connections among stories in the news.

Overall, Voronetskaya said, the London School of Economics required an independent approach to her studies, "which I think is critical for a transition between university and the workforce."

A highlight of her time in London had been to help organize a two-day Alternative Investments Conference, which allowed students to hear from world-class speakers such as David Bonderman, founding partner of TPG Capital, and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group. With about 300 spots and 7,700 total applications to attend, she said the conference drew "stellar students," three of whom came from Lehigh.

Another activity she enjoyed was the London School of Economics' Student Union Fashion Show, where startup designers showcased their clothing.

She said she made some good memories traveling around England, to places such as Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge and Canterbury Cathedral Windsor. She also visited Scotland.

She said many of the 300 (mostly American) exchange students at the school tended to group together, missing the opportunity to interact with other students there. She said she attempted to upend that by purposely trying to meet as many people as possible.

Now back at Lehigh, Voronetskaya is sure her study-abroad experience will give her "something to talk about in a [job] interview." She said she's pleased to put her year at the London School of Economics and her involvement with the Alternative Investments Conference on her résumé—memories she'll likely recount for a long time to come.