Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Plateful of Drama, with a side of Fish 'n Chips Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2011 to 12/09/2011 with

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my own personal skills and interests, and how to use the training I received in the future.

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.

Very intense, much was expected of you, but the environment was welcoming.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration is going through changes, but overall things were still organized and we were looked after.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dormitory offered to us was in a great location and very accommodating.

* Food:

I cooked most of my own meals, but there are good restaurants throughout the city and some nice open markets on the weekends.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program was international and primarily American students, but we integrated nicely among the other programs within the academy, and had time to experience the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The school helped out when necessary since we did not have health care through NHS in England.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, but I was also continually cautious of new areas and situations.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 (in English pounds)

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

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • I enjoyed the intensity of the academy and the time I had to focus on what had brought me there in the first place. I was pushed quite a bit, but we were invited to learn through doing: trying and failing and trying again.
* What could be improved?
  • The communication between my own school and the administrative team at LAMDA.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the individual courses beforehand.