Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London Theater Tour: What an amazing adventure! Cheers! Past Review

By (English, George Mason University) for

George Mason University: Traveling - London Theater Tour: British Theatre Today

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study Abroad was definitely worthwhile because I became more independent and more confident. It has made me want to go abroad again either for school or for my own pleasure. I want to go back to Europe and explore more countries other than England. However, I wouldn't mind visiting London again.

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.

The academic system was the same because Professor Hoffmann is from GMU and we kept similar expectations that we have in the US. The only difference was going to see plays and taking field trips which I have never done before as a college student. The overall workload was just like any other college level class I have taken, however, the difficult part of my educational experience was not being able to have internet in the hotel to help with assignments because it was very expensive. Lastly, I would liked to have known what my grade was throughout the trip because it could have helped me understand what expectations I was supposed to uphold for my class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The programs strengths was having free internet while on class days and having an accessible location; even though, it was a long walk. The weakness was not having internet at the start of class and having to wait for someone to give us the links.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a hotel (Holiday Inn: Regent's Park) which was fine. The only problem that I had with the hotel was that they made me pay a safety deposit on internet I didn't use and charged a lot for the internet if I wanted to use it. Also, some of the receptionists were rude and sometimes I couldn't understand them because there was a language barrier (Even though I was in England).

* Food:

The food was okay. I went to more ethnic places because the food was better and cheaper than pub food (pub food costs around $15 per person). Also, the Boots and the grocery stores are awesome and cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had an awesome time making new friends and going on the field trips. I got to go to Shakespeare's birthplace and see many plays. I, also, spent a day in Paris. I went on the London Eye and the British Museum which were amazing. I saw all of London at night and saw many interesting exhibitions at the museum. I went to the Tower of London as well. Being able to travel on the tube helped extremely and gave me an insight to British every day life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The only problem with London, just like any other city, is the pick-pocketing and theft. If you just take care of your stuff and be aware of your surroundings you'll be fine.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It was taught by a GMU professor.
  • The workload was fair.
* What could be improved?
  • The access to internet.
  • The choice of hotel.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This study abroad program is amazing. You get time to roam the city and to see contemporary British theater. Your weekends are free and the workload is not that bad. I would tell any type of student to go and experience this tour because there are a variety of English levels that you can get credit for.\ Definitely DO IT if you can!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

London Theater Tour
Course Department: ENGH 309
Instructor: Hoffmann
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was challenging in the sense that I was figuring out how to travel in a new city and balancing my workload. My class did many field trips and that helped us with studying the plays and comparing the text to the performance. I got to participate more in class because there were fewer students and we all were the only Americans so we all stuck together. Lastly, Professor Hoffmann was very knowledgeable in her field, however, I would have liked to get grades periodically throughout the trip so I could evaluate my work and improve while taking the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.