London Theatre Study Aborad changed my life! Past Review

By lola.danielson (Cosmetology, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/07/2013 to 06/20/2013 with

Brigham Young University: London - London Theatre Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much about myself and became a better person because of this experience. I also discovered a deeper love for theatre than I already had and gained a desire to travel more outside of the USA. I might even move to London and immerse myself in the culture and theatre scene there because of this experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The location was ideal - right across the street from Hyde Park. However, there were no laundry facilities in our building; we had to carry it to another building a few blocks away.
* Food:	The food in London is amazing! Eat at Wagamamas - it is a must!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	We were fortunate to not need to use the healthcare system, but many of us did get some pretty nasty colds.
* Safety:	London is one of the safest cities I've been to. However, do not let that make you complacent! Always be careful; there are pickpockets around.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* 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)	London is expensive! Plan on spending $20-30 for dinner (15-20 pounds), if you eat out. Lunch is usually a little cheaper than dinner, but still pricey with the conversion rates. Our program did not cover any meals, but we did have a kitchen in the flat which helped cut some of the cost by eating at home when I could.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Find the good, cheap places to eat and shop. Primark is a great place if you need cheap clothes or a coat. Bring a sack lunch with you or buy the 3 pound meal deals at Tesco - sandwich, crisps (chips) and a drink. Cook at home whenever you can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The teachers The sites and shows My classmates and the friendships I made
* What could be improved?	Lower the cost of the program Provide more financing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	You will not enjoy yourself and get the most out of the program if you go expecting it to be like America. It does not feel terribly different, but PLEASE immerse yourself in the culture; put aside your preconceptions and what you think you know. Watch those around you, soak it in and become a part of the people and the culture - it will truly change your experience and your perspective about yourself and your place in the world!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	TMA 302
Course Department:	Theatre
Instructor:	Tim Threlfall
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course provided excellent and relevant information to the productions we were seeing and allowed me to think more deeply about what I was watching on stage.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	ENGL 382
Course Department:	English
Instructor:	Brett McInelly
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I have never experienced Shakespeare quite like this before! I learned a lot more about Shakespeare's works and his life on this study abroad than in all my years of research prior to this experience. It changed my life and the focus of my work in theatre!
Credit Transfer Issues: