LAMDA is British Theater Heaven! Past Review

By (Bfa Acting, Pace University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/13/2012 with

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and about my art. It was so very worthwile! I am so glad that I chose LAMDA.

Review Photos

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art: London - Direct Enrollment Photo London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art: London - Direct Enrollment Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It is an intense, fun, and fantastic theatrical education.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I couldn't make the housing deadline, so I was one my own for housing. I did end up finding an apartment. However, Most of my other friends were in dorms and they HATED it. I visited them often, and they were tiny, horrible, and over priced.

* Food:

Food isn't provided, so you don't really have any limitations. London is huge and diverse, so there are options for everyone. There is a lot of great Indian food to be had. Fabulous cheeses too!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was living in an apartment, so I was more integrated than many of the other students, but we only have classes with other international students. So the students in dorms, spend most of their time with other international kids. If you want to integrate, you have to go out on the week ends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The professors cared about our safety.

* Safety:

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)

London is a very expensive city and you have to keep in mind that you'paying in pounds, which are worth almost 2 American dollars. However, if you're frugal and careful you can live a really good life for relatively cheap.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-60 US dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Multiply every price you see by 2, it'll end up saving you money. A lot of students blow way too much money when they go out at night. If you're going to a club, go earlier in the night to avoid the horrible cover charges and drink at home. Seriuosly don't buy drinks at a club, it is a huge waste. If you want to enjoy drinking, go to a pub or a specialty bar. Also, learn how to cook a few things. You will save SO much money if you're not eating out 5 nights a week.

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

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The courses were amazing!
  • The faculty is absolutely wonderful!!!
  • London is a great city.
* What could be improved?
  • Integration
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how difficult it can be to live in a house with other people's kids. I probably would have chosen a different apartment.