LA Program Surpassing Expectations Past Review

By (Film Production, Emerson College) for

Emerson College: Los Angeles - Emerson College in Los Angeles

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was most definitely worthwhile. Without this program I would not have the career or connections that I have today.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload and teaching style were very similar to that of the Emerson main campus in Boston. The only struggle I had was keeping schoolwork a priority over my internship.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Emerson LA program did a great job of ensuring that I was placed in an internship that I enjoyed and learned from. I always felt comfortable coming to the administration with a problem about my internship. They were always available as intermediaries and I knew that if I ever felt like I was in situation where I was being taken advantage of they would step in because they had my best interests at heart. I however, never need them too because I was accepted at an internship that surpassed even my highest expectations. The entire program was more than I could have asked for and it is the reason I am successful in my professional life now.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Whenever food was provided there was always a vegetarian option when requested.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The RA staff did a great job of offering social and extra-curricular activities. However, there could have been more school funded outings to cultural or historic sites in the area.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

LA is a big city so there is always crime but I never once felt unsafe in my living situation. I was also given all the information and assistance I needed in finding any healthcare professional no matter the circumstances.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The internship opportunities
  • The location.
  • The professors.
* What could be improved?
  • The extracurricular opportunities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The LA Program is a great way to test the waters of LA. LA is not for everyone but you can't know if you'll love it or hate it until you try it. The LA Program offers you a near risk free way to see if you can swim with the sharks.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

1970's Film

Course Department: VM402
Instructor: James Lane
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Class was a little rushed seeing as we only met once a week but other than that it was very enjoyable and informative. Jim Lane is an engaging and knowledgable professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope.
Course Name/Rating:

Feature Writing Workshop

Course Department: VM428
Instructor: Jennifer Vandever
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was a great screenwriting class. I felt like my writing really improved and it was a great venue for open discussion
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope.