Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Grinnell in London: Quality Grinnell Education in the Buzz and Brilliance of England's Capital Past Review

By (Theatre, Grinnell College) for

Grinnell College: London - Grinnell in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew to understand theatre in a totally new way, sharpening my critical and practical skills. I am more socially aware, independent, and adventurous; my ability to interact with new people and engage in unique experiences has been heightened in quality.

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.

Lots of work. Fairly graded work. My level of educational effort was pretty much equal to the effort deployed at Grinnell.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I wish I had been more familiar with the library offerings, which I wish had been more extensive. I loved the one free quiet study space area on the site, but I wish there had been more options for study areas.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I had to cook for myself A LOT, which was a good, bad, fun, and expensive learning experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved the final banquet, and the annual potluck Thanksgiving event.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

London=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)

Other Program Information

* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The organization paired with individual student flexibility
  • the sheer access and opportunity Grinnell enabled
* What could be improved?
  • The rigor of the academia could be lessened
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure you can still perform academically even with the presence of many distractions and time restrictions.