BU in LA Film and Television - Experience of a lifetime while getting a head-start on my career Past Review
By Natalie T (Communication and Media Studies., Trinity University) for
Boston University: Los Angeles - Los Angeles Internship
This program has set me on my path for my life and my career. It was in this program that I found what I was really passionate about and I got to seize so many opportunities to do what I loved. I even ended the semester with a small paid job doing some marketing spots. I know have a 5 year plan for my life and several people in L.A. that are willing to help me reach all goals within my plan. I would still be lost if it had not been for this program. My skill and my confidence have grown immensely and I just can't wait to continue doing what I love and start working as an assistant editor in the film industry. Because of this program I am no longer scared of the future, the "real world", or what I will do after graduation. There is no other program like it.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think they put roommates together incredibly well and were always there to help and assist any student with any problem or concern. I always felt comfortable calling in to the office with a question or concern because they would always have an answer or find a way to help me out. The Bu in LA office is PHENOMENAL! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were house in Park LaBrea which is a perfect area. Everything is close by and its a really good area for students our age. It was a really fun and functional place to live. The surrounding areas had plenty of bars, a mall, the farmers market, a movie theater, a grocery store within walking distance. And the apartment complex had a park, a pool, and a workout room for everyone to use. It was a wonderful place to live. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
L.A is definitely my favorite city now. I am 98% positive I will move back there once I graduate. I love the city, I love the people, and I love everything they both have to offer. Hiking one day, laying out on the beach the next. A memorable field trip was definitely the trip we took to The Getty museum- again, it was like nothing I have seen before in my life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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I never really had any health issues and I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I kept a budget of exactly $150/week. Sometimes I spent the whole $150 and sometimes a bit less, but always right under or at $150 but never above. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I never experienced this, but plenty of my friends did. Parking violations are a monster. If you are even 5 minutes over time for parking you can get a $300 ticket or a $300-600 towing bill. Parking is simply a chore our there, but once you accept it and get the hang of it comes easy and isn't a problem. I would say I learned fast that I needed to keep quarters on me at all times for any parking meters that might not take credit card. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go into the program with an open mind and make sure you really have a passion for this world. Passion is the most important thing you need in this program and in this industry. Be genuine and be willing to work hard. Its tough but it is so worth it. |
