Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent Practical Theater Experience Past Review

By (Theater Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/13/2013 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 gained practical theater/acting tools not offered at Wellesley that will help me in my future work.

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?

A little far from school, but easily accessible by public transit. Good facility, but building maintenance problems seldom addressed.

* Food:

I had to do my own cooking, and I'm not very good...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I attended a nearby church and felt at home in the city. Locals were friendly and helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need healthcare, but friends did express difficulty.

* Safety:

Use common sense, travel with others. Safe city, but pickpockets are common.

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)

London is very expensive and Wellesley Financial Services are not very helpful. They lost my refund request and I had to wait over a month for it after the second one was submitted. This was after my fin aid package was changed without my knowledge; I didn't learn about the change until my parents received a letter saying that my funds would return to the college if we didn't act immediately.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out very often and use student discounts for activities. Go to free museums rather than tourist traps.

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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Classes
  • Course application through rehearsal and performance
  • Professors who currently work professionally in their field
* What could be improved?
  • Wellesley assistance with program information
  • Wellesley financial information and response timing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much logistical work I'd have to do on my own; how much money I'd have to borrow from my dad because of Wellesley ineptitude.

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!