Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A once in a lifetime, life-changing, experience for those who put in the work! May 08, 2022

By (Theater Arts, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2022 to 04/22/2022 with

Sarah Lawrence College: London - London Theatre Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the greatest teachers of my whole life, saw 25 shows in 12 weeks, and truly got a chance to understand what it means to be a person in the arts in the UK. It felt like I was given a backstage VIP pass to theater.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

food was not included so this is the general rating of London food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't use the health care system in England so I am rating it based on the free weekly covid tests we would receive.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Yes is enough said!

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)

neither food nor transportation were included costs in the program and our housing didn't include ovens so quite a lot of money was needed to go to (required) shows and to also feed yourself

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $230/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible, start a savings or checking account now for your time abroad and as you earn or receive money, add little amounts so that you will have enough saved up that you don't need to worry about running out of money. Also, many places abroad have cafes or shops that do monthly subscriptions (i.e. Pret) that give you a free month trial, and then you can receive multiple free items every day for one price of $20-30.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • teachers
  • connections
  • shows
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • provide transportation or cover it for the shows we have to see with the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wouldn't change anything about what I knew or expected from the program because they do a good job of preparing you but I would have started a separate account for funding my time abroad way in advance so that I would stress less about budgeting during my time in London.

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!