Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Experience with Shakespeare and Renaissance Food and Foodways Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 07/12/2013 to 07/31/2013 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: London - London Trip

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I learned things about Shakespeare I would not have known otherwise, and I saw Shakespeare plays and had experiences that I never would have had. I went to the Globe and saw Royal Shakespeare Company plays, and that is not something that, without this program, I believe I would have been able to do anytime soon.

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.

I did not feel that it was a very intense course; however, I did learn a lot and, overall, had a wonderful educational experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Overall, the city is very safe, but the drivers are not very considerate of pedestrians. Watch out, because they do not necessarily stop for you.

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? anywhere between 150-200 pounds (which could come up to $300 but almost never did)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take cash out of your bank account and only spend that for as long as possible. Also, find a free cash machine because the only money you will "lose" when you take cash out will be the money from the exchange rate.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Macbeth at the Globe
  • Hamlet at Royal Shakespeare Theatre
  • Mad World, My Masters at Swan Theatre
* What could be improved?
  • A few of the lecturers went over time/didn't really teach us anything
  • I would have liked to talk to someone from Mad World, My Masters. Even though it is not a Shakespeare play, it was still Royal Shakespeare Company.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the layout of Stratford-upon-Avon better before getting there and frequently getting lost.

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!