Art in London Past Review

By (Massachusetts College of Art) - abroad from 01/28/2012 to 06/02/2012 with

Global Semesters: London - Semester Study Abroad Program at London South Bank University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
spending less time making and more time thinking about my work. absolutely worthwhile i had the opportunity to soak up so much art it was incredible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In comparison to Mass Art and their excellent teachers and facilities, London Met was lacking. This can also be due to the short-term switch I made from going to an art school (Mass Art) to a University (London Met), but I did not feel as if skills and techniques, nor concepts were addressed as well as at Mass art. I did not feel challenged enough but it was okay for me since I consider myself to be self-motivated and incredibly interested in learning and growing as an artist on my own.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was incredibly secure and in a great location (Kings Cross) however I felt trapped in an enormous building that catered only to international students and I found it hard to meet people. Also the security was too high for my liking and a bit of a hassle when having guests over. Also the rooms were almost 1/2 smaller than the size they showed us on the picture.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I attended art classes I was almost always the only exchange student which led me to make a lot of British friends and integrate with the school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 150

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • the accessibility to art
  • the friends i made
  • creme tea
* What could be improved?
  • housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that i would be spending more time gathering experience and research than making art