Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventures in the Theatre Capital of the World Past Review

By (Musical Theatre., University of Tulsa) - abroad from 09/15/0013 to 12/15/0013 with

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts: London - Short Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I had never lived in a big city by myself and had to fend for myself before. I learned how to navigate a strange city, ask for help, shop for food, and budget myself, and plan weekend trips. The biggest thing I got from this experience was how to live on my own as an adult.

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.

It was definitely a rigorous experience. They kept us busy and on our feet in the studios every day. Most of the work we did was in class, though. There wasn't much homework outside of class, and whatever we did have wasn't particularly academically challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful staff. Everyone incredibly friendly, eager to help, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to questions. Even though the program was very laissez-faire, I felt like I could fall back on them if I ran into trouble.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The residence hall was clean and livable, if a little small. Bed, desk, closet, cupboard. Pretty Spartan. Just the essentials. It was in a great location to see the best sights in London. Even though it was a forty minute commute to school.

* Food:

Okay, English food gets a bad rap for being bland and boring. But the thing is, I loved all the fish and chips and pub food and English breakfasts that I ate there. The warm filling kind of food that England is known for is perfect on a chilly wet day. And even if you still don't like that kind of food for whatever reason, you

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city itself was more or less safe, but the particular neighborhood where the school was located had a reputation for being unsafe.

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)

I had to budget pretty hard. London was expensive, and the biggest expense was food.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside a good solid chunk of your finances for food, and break that down into the weeks you'll be there and use that for groceries and maybe a little bit of eating out. If you're willing to spend any extra money on food, save it for when you're eating out. Not for groceries at home.

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

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

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 freedom
  • The immersiveness
  • The welcoming students
* What could be improved?
  • A roommate
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You really shouldn't bring too many clothes. A lot of the theatres in the West End have day tickets that you can get for really cheap.

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!