Past Review

By Julia I (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft., Tufts University) for

Sarah Lawrence College: London - London Theatre Program

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

Yes! I learned so much of what happens when I am taken away from an academic setting while still learning. I learned to have more confidence and I learned that I can be independent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+
The term and year this program took place:	Winter 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I learned so much that was applicable to many aspects of my life.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The program reall takes care of you and everything you do. Some might hate how structured it is though. I personally thought it was great.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	An average flat in London. You live in the same building as everyone else in your program, so you don't see too many locals on a daily basis in the building. The flats were nice and provided most of the amenities. The only problem is the washers were poor and there were no dryers. <br /><br /> The location is great. The wireless in the housing was the only part that was unsatisfactory.
* Food:	The food in London isn't so bad and if you're unhappy with the food outside, you can make whatever you want.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The people were wonderful and we live in close quarters so we got to know each other quickly. I also saw so much theatre than I ever had before. It was great.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	No dire health issues came up, but anything that did BADA handled well. I felt very safe as I was always with people. London is a little frightening at first, but I am from a city so I am used to the safety and awareness level required for the city.
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?	I saw a lot of theatre outside the program so it would usually be around 80 or 90 pounds in a week. But it fluctuated. Sometimes I could get away with 20 pounds. It depends on the activities you do.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Food is a much bigger expense than I expected it to be.

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 live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* 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?	It's going to be exhausting--more than you think. But make sure you get out and explore as much as you can in the limited amount of free time they give you. If you plan well, you can do it all.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Acting in Shakespeare
Course Department:	N/A
Instructor:	Sheila Allen
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I don't know how much she taught me about acting, but she definitely teaches you about Shakespeare and techniques for it. Just having Sheila as a teacher is worth it.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No trouble.

Course Name/Rating:	Modern Physical
Course Department:	N/A
Instructor:	Mick Barnfather
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It is all the crazy things you do in acting classes put together in one. It is fun and insightful and unlike any performance class I have taken. It teaches you about comedy and physicality.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No trouble