Live From New York! Past Review
By Molly S (Music Business, DePauw University) for
New York Arts Program: NYAP
I learned much more about myself. I think I became more introspective and learned to listen to my feelings and thoughts more. I had to constantly check in with myself and evaluate my experiences, which allowed me to sort out any problems I might have been having. I had to realize that finding out what I didn't want was just as important as finding out what I DO want. Most of all, I became fiercely independent, going out and exploring the city on my own. It was liberating and exciting. My academic plans have shifted a bit. I now believe that I want to be in management of a non-profit or a music venue rather than a high-profile corporation.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I greatly enjoyed getting the true feeling of what it was like to live and work in New York City. My program advisers always had an open door to talk about my overall New York experience, and my bosses at my internship were always open to suggestions and offered constructive criticism. The teaching method was an interesting approach because we were graded on our impressions and feelings, which took a lot of pressure off of trying to do too much at one time. We still had ample time to explore New York City, which was the best part of all. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The director of the New York Arts Program was a wonderful resource and wealth of knowledge, not only about the city, but also gave out many connections within the city, if that's what people were looking for. She was wonderful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing is a converted brownstone, so it was essentially like living in a dorm. The rooms were INCREDIBLY small, but we were warned before we moved in. The location essentially pays for itself- it's in a great spot, near lots of subway lines and right between Chelsea and Midtown. The housing provided all kitchen/eating utensils, but we did need to bring our own sheets/bed linens, etc. |
| * Food: |
N/A- you buy all of your own food and cook it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A great part of the program is that they encourage all members to go out and explore New York. They really don't bog people down with lots of programming, wanting instead for students to get a real feel for what it's like to live and work in NYC. There were a couple outings organized by my program for students, but they were all optional. One was to Philadelphia, one to a night club/music bar in the West Village, and one to Coney Island. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The safety I felt in New York was one of the most surprising aspects. I thought that it would be a dangerous city, but I actually felt quite safe due to the sheer volume of people always around. The program assisted by giving us appropriate phone numbers to call in emergencies, and appropriate courses of action if ever in an emergency. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was unaware that I would be charged extra living costs because my internship ended long after other program participant's did. I ended up having to spend over $600 in 3 weeks in order to prevent having to move out of my residence, which was unexpected. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Use your own judgment. Don't go somewhere just to be with your friends or to be comfortable. Expand your horizons, and experience something that scares yet excites you. This particular experience is great for someone who wants an eventual career in the arts and needs a great stepping stone. The variety of internships offered through the program is impressive, and the chance to live in New York is one that should not be overlooked |
