Past Review

By Jules S (Music, Rice University) for

Royal Academy of Music: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

As long as it's ok with your Music Professor, make sure you know what you're looking for or intrigued about in the country's schooling of music. For me it was the sense of musicality in London and in Western Europe that I was taken by. I feel that this is vital for any growing musician that lacks direction in their studies.

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.	The grading scale was quite difficult in the sense it was more realistic and "A's" were not rewarded as easily as they do at Rice.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were average. I felt that at times I had to que for a long time to get replies back from some of the registry. Esme, the coordinator for the strings department, and Martin Outram, my advisor, were the only people on staff that made me feel like I they were actually tentative to my studies. I found others to be disorganized and too busy to for my questions/concerns.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	International Students Housing, amazing place for any student studying abroad in London. The residents are mostly students but also random people. Very interesting community. Located in the center of London by the Baker Street tube station. <br /><br /> The international students house is located in the center of London, right by the Baker Street tube station. The surrounding area is very safe, police are constantly patrolling around. The only thing I would recommend a student brings are cook utensils. ISH however is a great place to meet people, the majority of my best friends were from ISH. Best decision I made in London, living at ISH.
* Food:	Don't expect a good quality of food unless you have a lot of money.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I think the most stunning aspect of London life was the Culture. The museums of art, orchestra concerts, transportation system, architecture, are all simply brilliant. It's an aspect in European life I think that Americans could learn a thing or two about.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Central London is pretty safe. I didn't feel uncomfortable until I went to the South Eastern parts of London, which was rare.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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?	I spent probably one-hundred quid a week on food and personal expenses. It's a different story if you don't live close to your program of study's institution. If you live a zone or two (on the tube) away from the school, you would have to pay rougly forty quid a month for tube/bus/rail transportation.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Nothing.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Orchestra
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Very useful in the sense that the musicians got to work with various famous conductors. This characteristic allowed the students to adapt to different styles and working methods of conductors, a very professional quality. The rehearsal schedule was quite different in that we had rehearsals the week of the concert. The rehearsal schedule and variety in conductors created a very professional working environment.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Private Lessons
Course Department:
Instructor:	Garfield Jackson
Instruction Language:	Engish
Comments:	Amazing teacher. For me, it was a bit difficult working Professor Jackson on technical/mechanical issues. Although, his musical and fatherly teachings were of great supplements to the vitality for my playing in the future. Brilliant and lovely person.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Chamber music
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I thought that the course could have been more organized. It's a little vague, you make your own groups and only require two coachings before a performance.
Credit Transfer Issues: