Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An eyeopening education in theatre Past Review

By (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/07/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

British American Drama Academy: London/ Oxford - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The theatre training you receive at BADA is amazing! It was the most helpful thing I have ever done in terms of acting. It is a very, very rigorous program, but if you through yourself into it, you will thank yourself for your hard work.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* Food:

Groceries are expensive, but I made all of my own food which saved some money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program is all American students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easily accessible. I went to an Urgent Care Clinic for an illness and the program administrators drove me there and stayed with me.

* Safety:

London is a very safe city.

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 a very expensive city! You can be resourceful but the basic cost of living is one of the highest in the country. Travel in Europe, however, is much less expensive than in the US.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $185
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find the cheapest grocery stores and make ALL of your own food. Save your money for traveling and avoid pricey clubs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Teachers are incomparable.
  • The students are incredibly invested in their work.
  • London has such a vibrant, rich cultural and theatrical scene.
* What could be improved?
  • I would have loved a chance to see theatre with BADA students in the second half of the semester.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the structure of BADA before I arrived, but we all adjusted very quickly.

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!