Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of work in a short time period, but then again, it was the Summer term! I learned a lot and met a LOT of great, motivated students, and also young and upcoming professionals.

On-site administration of your program

I learned a lot about the real world out there. Everyone in the program's administration was very helpful, but I found that most of my other classmates thought otherwise. What I really think is that when you do this program, you have to learn to rely on yourself and making things happen on your own. Yes, the program administration is there to help when needed, but they can't "save" you in finding a great internship. In a sense, though...you are paying SO much money for the program, and they do send out several hot site lists out with available internships seeking specifically Emerson students. Thus, I didn't understand why some would have trouble finding an internship. To do well in this program, I suggest doing the work yourself and push yourself to be as prepared as you can be before getting to LA. Write your cover letters, submit your interest in to internships on the hotsite lists they provide so when you go to LA, you will have at least 3 to 5 interviews set up.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I don't want to say housing was overrated, but I will say it was VERY overpriced. Oakwoods was not luxury and I think we paid too much for what we got. But then again, there were two nice hot tubs and a huge swimming pool on each end of the residence. Rugs were not the cleanest, but besides that, everything was suitable, dandy, and accomodating.

N/A - You buy your own groceries. This program would be better off if they did have a meal program!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AMAZING - The nightlife my roommates and friends spent out in LA has been so memorable and we still talk about it to this day. There is so much to do out there in such a big space, lots of people, and lots of great entertainment. You can't go wrong going out in the city with your friends, just make sure you bring your wallet, don't lose it, and spend cheap!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt Oakwoods was sketchy here and there. Some ghetto rappers would ALWAYS be smoking around the residence and looking for some newbie, fresh hollywood meat. Student health issues were taken care of as prior to leaving for the program, we had to obtain health insurance, but the program gave us a list of great specialists and doctors, hospitals, etc. to see if we ever needed to.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

There was a lot of writing in both of my classes, which was getting very tough as I had a LOT of work on my plate between my internship and two summer classes. But nonetheless, I gained a lot of motivation to complete my work, meet deadlines, and also become more persistent and diligent in my work.