Immersion into London Past Review

By Nick B (BA Drama and Italian Studies, Ithaca College) for

Ithaca College: London - Ithaca College London Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was more than worthwhile. It was great to see the political/social climate of another country. In particular for theatre students on this program: there is more accessible and affordable theatre of high quality than you could ever imagine - it's an amazing opportunity that is almost too good to be true.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Most of the classes I took were very challenging regardless of material. One of the classes was not as challenging as the rest.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were very present and helpful in all the aspects of assimilation. They also organized many trips and immersion activities once we had been there for some time.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with three others from my program in a nearby flat that we signed and found ourselves: 56 Charleville Rd Hammersmith, London <br /><br /> The flat was satisfactory, but we had a few problems with heating, internet, and ants. The neighborhood was great and accessibility was fantastic. Basically perfect for a college student - some ups, some downs, but reasonable.
* Food:	We had no problem finding places to eat - but food was very expensive in eneral.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There were great trips organized, but nothing that took us out of the country.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Most of it, again, was adjusting to city life in general.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	A lot more than I thought I would - plan to spend more than you think.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Again - plan on spending more than you think you will. You will probably use the buffer.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Go. Find any means you can and try to make it work. If you're a theatre student, especially, it will make you know FOR SURE if you want to do this or not.