Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Conservatory Program: Not your Typical Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Theatre Arts, University of Southern California) - abroad from 01/12/2014 to 04/18/2014 with

British American Drama Academy: London/ Oxford - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my independence, in addition to the acting techniques. Being so far away, and with limited contact to my friends and family at home, I had to figure almost everything out on my own. At first it was scary, but eventually it became liberating. I am no longer afraid of living on my own, in a city in which I know almost no one.

Personal Information

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

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $110
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Rush shows as much as you can and go on Lastminute.com for tickets as well. In addition, I'd suggest shopping at Tesco (which is much cheaper) for snack items/ condiments and Waitrose/ Marylebone Farmer's Market for fresh fruits/ veggies. It'll save a fair amount of money if you want organic fruit and vegetables, like I did.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The Professors
  • The Location (London & Regent's Park/ Camden specifically)
  • The ability to see so many shows! Through the program itself and on my own
* What could be improved?
  • I wished I could met some British students
  • More weeks of classes!!! In the eighth week, I finally felt like I "got" the material, I wish I could have expanded on that more. Even ten weeks instead of eight would be beneficial
  • Using different housing. I actually didn't mind the Landward itself, it's just that the 45 minute walk each way every day took up a lot of my time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I knew that I wouldn't be able to interact with British students almost at all and that I would have very inconsistent wifi access.

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!