Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London has Something for Everyone Past Review

By (English/Theater, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 04/19/2013 with

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and what I want to do after college. I would legitimately consider going to graduate school in the United Kingdom based on my experience in this program.

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.

I had a great experience. I got to take classes I couldn't take at Wellesley and felt immersed in a new culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in the Administration offices were very friendly and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very small, the kitchens were poorly stocked, but the building itself was new and mostly clean. I was very cold most of the time.

* Food:

You make your own.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They gave us a lot of information about the school doctor, local GP's, and how Americans pay for healthcare.

* Safety:

Any big city has its share of danger, but I felt very safe most of the time.

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)

London is a very expensive city, many of my friends had financial problems there, and the exchange rate doesn't help.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get as many student discounts as you can, and museums are a great way to go sightseeing for free.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • immersion in the culture
  • intensive performance classes
  • oppurtunity to do what you want outside of class
* What could be improved?
  • preparing coming students for what the day to day will be like
  • half the students were from one school which made socializing hard for the rest of us
  • integrating with the full time students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best thing I did there was forcing myself to go out and sight-see in my much free time as much as I could. I went to countless museums and attractions in London and Scotland, and it was worth it.

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!