Conservatory training for a semester February 11, 2022
By A student (Theatre Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2021 to 12/18/2021 with
Sarah Lawrence College: London - London Theatre Program
I learned so many new skills as an actor, as well as how to live alone in a city and budgeting skills. It was definitely worth it.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
We had to provide our own food during the entire program. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Almost everyone in the program was from US universities, so it was difficult to meet local people. However, it was still nice living in the city, shopping, and commuting like a local. It took more effort to expose ourselves because there weren't any planned cultural trips except for visits to the theatre and the Black British Theatre Walk (which were both incredible). |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Geoblue was sometimes confusing but they were very helpful and accommodating if we needed doctors appointments or covid tests. |
* Safety: |
I felt pretty safe, I used typically city common safety tips. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned sooo much more than I thought I would. |
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) |
Decent considering we didn't live directly in the city. The exchange rate is difficult to get used to, but I shopped at cheaper grocery stores, walked to school or took public transport, and tried to cook my own meals as much as possible to safe money. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-$150 a week |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out every day. Pack your lunch or eat at your institution if you have a meal plan. Get instant coffee to make at home or pack your lunch in the morning. Saving that money for cultural excursions will be a lot more fun. Plan when you're going to spend money, such as at a street fair, on a small souvenir from places you visit, or for eating out on weekends. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I wouldn't have as much time as I thought I would have to explore all of London because of the rigor of the program. It's not a cultural immersion program, it's truly a conservatory program. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |