Not the art-history haven I was expecting Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Considering the fact that the Courtauld specializes in the History of Art, I had high expectations for the academic experience. The academic resources offered by the Courtauld are excellent-- the art library is extensive, the gallery incredible, and the staff prestigious. I loved the number and quality of guest lecturers as well as the fact that students can sit in on lectures for classes they are not enrolled in. I also enjoyed the frequent trips to other museums or galleries that my classes took to look at art in person-- I felt like the amazing resources of London were taken advantage of. But unfortunately, I wasn't blown away by the teaching quality. Some lectures were great, but I felt that the majority did not equal the quality of teaching that I get at my home institution. The course load can be pretty light too-- students are enrolled in two courses per term, and our entire grade was based on the final essay. I was also slightly let down by the student body, as many of the students I met barely participated in classes and did not seem particularly enthused. The course selection could also have been improved. I understand that the Courtauld is a small institution, but all of the three options for our constellations course focused on western art. Although I sat in on other lectures, I still barely learned about any non-western art. The study abroad program is very small as well, meaning there wasn't very much infrastructure or guidance allotted to us. I had to figure out many things on my own, including housing, which was mostly okay but still much more of a hassle than if I had chosen a larger program to study abroad at. Overall I still enjoyed and benefitted from my time at the Courtauld, but I wish I had known more about what the program entails beforehand and adjusted my expectations accordingly.

On-site administration of your program

There was very little administration. We were not given many resources at all.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was not provided with housing at all. The Courtauld gave a list of recommendations, many of which were out of my budget and far away from the institute, so I ended up finding an Airbnb on my own in a neighborhood and price range that worked for me.

Food in London is excellent but expensive. There's really everything you could possibly want available somewhere in the city. Food wasn't included in my program, but the meals available at the Courtauld's student cafe are both delicious and extremely affordable.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel like I was very much integrated into the Courtauld's student body, but did love living in London and eventually felt integrated into living there. I ended up making some friends who were masters students at the Courtauld, but mostly spent my time with people doing other study abroad programs. I wish I met and hung out with more British students, but getting into London's social scene can be difficult.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues to address during the program.

I didn't have any issues.

I felt like the lack of resources did not make up for the specialized nature of the school. I also did not quite find the super enthusiastic about art learning culture I was hoping to find. If you are extremely proactive about finding learning opportunities and sitting in on other classes/lectures this might be worth it.

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

London is super expensive, between housing and food and transportation. Definitely not a city to go to if you are on a strict budget.

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• International Students

• The academic resources+gallery
• ability to sit in on other lectures
• location

• integration into student body
• class selection
• resources for study abroad students

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