Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

First time on the West Coast; Won't Be the Last Past Review

By (Playwriting and Screenwriting., Emerson College) - abroad from 01/22/2013 to 04/24/2013 with

Emerson College: Los Angeles - Emerson College in Los Angeles

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Got a lot of valuable experience, met some amazing people (including a long-time idol), and confirmed that I am doing the right thing with my life.

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

It was good, I guess, I just never really thought about it at all.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could only go to the front desk on Fridays, because that was the only free time I had during regular working hours. It must have been impossible for people with two classes.

* Food:

I had had to make everything myself, so obviously it was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I can now cross four lanes of traffic in 100ft, I think I integrated pretty well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They...weren't? Strong response to the bombings, though, so major props for that.

* Safety:

CAN'T CORNER THE DORNER

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)

$200/month, not counting car insurance, registering it, etc. I wasn't PLEASED about living for that little money, but I did it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depends on the week. If I'm just buying food and gas, $25. If I'm trying to have fun, $40.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find an Arco gas near where you work. It'll be $0.25/gallon cheaper than a nearby station in Burbank.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I finally got to be a part of the industry
* What could be improved?
  • More work-study options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Parking actually is a nightmare, and is expensive. People do not exaggerate.

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!