Learning to be a painter in a gorgeous city at the Slade School of Art Past Review

By Mary Beth K (Studio Art and Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The Slade School of Art is less "school" than training to be a practicing artist in the art world. I learned so much about what that involves and now feel confident to continue an art career after I graduate. London is the best city in the world, in my opinion. The city was beautiful, there was always lots to do and see (not just the tourist stuff, I'm not a big tourist), and there is so much variety of foods. British people aren't super overly friendly, but everyone I met was generally amiable and fun.

Review Photos

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo

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.	Slade has tremendous resources for contemporary art, simply by being in the heart of London surrounded by galleries, major museums, and a lively art culture. The faculty are also, for the most part, excellent. However, the curriculum at Slade is truly what you make of it, since there is no structure of classes. It is up to you to go to the studio every day and work and attend lectures and take part in the art scene around London. These things aren't structured for you. Though professors are regularly around the studios to offer advice and critique, this program is about developing yourself as a practicing artist, and requires lots of self motivation. If you take advantage of all the resources at Slade, it can be very rigorous. In my experience, however, I saw lots of people that didn't put in as much effort since it's all up to the individual. The visiting artist program provides great contemporary art lectures about every week, and they also try to pair you up with a visiting artist, generally someone currently showing in the London area, to critique your work.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in University College London, in the dorm Astor College. It was grungy and worn down, but a convenient walk to school and serviceable. A sink in your room is a plus, and the hall community was great.
* Food:	Prepare to eat poverty food, London is very expensive. If you can afford to go out now and then, on the other hand, London has an infinite amount of restaurants and cafes and clubs and pubs. Delicious tea everywhere!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	British culture is wonderful and I fit in perfectly.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	You have access to the British free healthcare as a student, which is very convenient, however some of the clinics near UCL get very packed to be seen by a doctor.
* Safety:	Occasional creeps in a big city, but overall London, especially central London where UCL is, is very safe.
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)	Money at times was hard because art supplies are crazy expensive and also it is expensive to eat out. Definitely save up extra funds so that you can travel around Europe a bit.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Tesco is the cheapest supermarket in London.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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 art culture in London British food easy to travel outside London
* What could be improved?	grungy dorm with disgusting kitchens to cook your meals in lots of eating ramen and sandwiches
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Nothing really

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:
Course Department:	Painting
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	The painting department is far less traditional than American art schools, it's very avant-garde and contemporary. Those who enjoy particularly abstract work or pushing boundaries of what is "painting" will really fit in well here. I personally paint more conservatively in the range of figurative and realistic work.... I stuck out quite a lot. But if you can be brave about some awkwardness, I would absolutely recommend Slade, I think it expanded my understanding of art and my practice considerably.
Credit Transfer Issues: