London Summer Art: Well worth the price Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course was self-driven so we got to decide what we wanted to paint and how much culture we wanted to experience. The Professor was very knowledgeable about the town and would help us decide where to go and give us advise on what we should see as far as culture and art. We had reviews of our art, which were nice, but the best part about working on art on the trip was the easily accessible studio space and the relaxing atmosphere to work on art. We would often spend more time than required working in the studio because of this. It was great to stay in the dorms and see what English universities were like although our professor was part of The University of Wisconsin - Stout. I learned a ton, and really enjoyed just focusing upon art since I don't get to do that very often. (school is filled with other subjects, and summer has work). It was a great experience.

On-site administration of your program

This trip was Faculty-Led. The teacher lives in England half time, which made it so that we got to see typical English life rather than just the touristy parts. There were 8 people on the trip, which was a great size. If there had been many more it would have been hard to go places as a group. This way we all got to know each other and bonded as a group. We would often go out to eat as a group or watch movies. I can see this program working with 7-10 people, but more than that and it would be hard to function well together. My expectations were met and exceeded. I got to go places and travel around the city and had plenty of time to take pictures and create art. I would highly recommend this trip for all people that are self-driven and want to experience life in another country.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the neighborhood that we lived in in London. Brockley was safe and quiet (most of the stores closed by 8 or 9) and you could get anywhere you needed to go via the trains or busses which were only a few minutes walk away. I had to buy food, but the Professor brought over cookware and the dorm had sheets and soap and towels. There were also bathrooms in the rooms which was an unexpected convenience. In Scotland, Dalkeith house was a ways away from Edinburgh, but not to bad that we couldn't go into town if we wanted. Breakfast was provided, and the Walgreens closet had extra coats, shoes, soap, and pretty much anything you could want. There was also a movie room and musical instruments. the 7 girls all shared one room, which turned out to be really nice, since by that time we all got along really well.

London and Scotland are great at putting labels on food, so if you are allergic to gluten or soy, or pretty much anything, all you have to do is read the label. It's really nice. Also, lots of the shops sell specialty food for people that have food allergies. The open air markets for vegetables are the best. It's really cheep and if every person buys something different and you share nothing will go to waste. Don't eat in down town London if you can help it. It's at least 30% more expensive than anywhere else, although the ice cream is still reasonable. Make sure you go to Pie Makers in Edinburgh, it's cheap and fantastic food. Also, try the local cuisine, you are only there once, and haggis isn't all that bad as long as you don't think about what is in it. Otherwise the food in London is as great as you can cook, since most of the time we made our own meals to cut down on the cost. I got tired of rice after a while, but otherwise the food was great.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program doesn't arrange much for you. It gives you unlimited bus passes and you have to go out and find things to do. The bus passes come in handy, so use them and go see all the sights. The professor does take students to boot sales and out to eat. He also hosted a picnic while we were in Dalkeith for a Birthday, and bought cake for the other birthday. Go and try pie and mash, he will take you out for that too if you ask. Otherwise you should make sure to see Westminster at night (it's beautiful) but be back before the trains close at midnight because navigating the night buses will add another 2 hours onto your trip. (unless you plan on doing so, because it is quite an experience, but wether or not it is good is up to you) I would highly recommend going to plays. The Shakespeare Globe puts on some really interesting ones, but you might want to sit, because standing for 2-3 hours takes away from the performance. The V&A and the Natural History Museum are a must see, and when you are in Scotland make sure to climb Arthur's Mound. It's a hike that is defiantly worth it. (just pick a nice day)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Just don't walk alone at night. It's a big city and things do happen. Nothing happened to us, but just be on the safe side. Also, use common sense and you should be fine. I suggest at least groups of 3 at night. That way you don't get lost and someone always knows where you are going. We didn't have to deal with the local heath care, although I heard it was quite good. You don't need any special vaccines.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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