A phenomenal immersion into London's world of theatre Past Review

By (Theatre, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/06/2012 to 12/13/2013 with

Sarah Lawrence College: London - London Theatre Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about theatre in the 4 months I was abroad than I had ever before. I made friends who I know I will have forever. I was exposed to a new culture and new theatre very different from that in the U.S.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

Food was not included in the tuition price and we were responsible for buying and cooking all of our food. I am aware that some schools/ programs provide subsidies for students to purchase food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was with all American students. Though we did expose ourselves to the culture by seeing many shows, going to museums, and going out at night.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not especially easily. London is a very expensive city and was almost cost-prohibitive at times.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 180 a week, and that was my living on a very tight budget, and only buying the bare necessities. I am aware that most people spent significantly more per week than I did.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely keep track of all your expenses. Set a budget for yourself and try to keep to it, using the first couple weeks as an experiment to see if it is realistic. Also, spend less at the beginning if possible, because then you will have some extra money towards the end to buy things.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • People (friends and instructors)
  • The rehearsal process after classes were completed
  • the access to London's theatre scene
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Stipend for food
  • Consistency in rehearsal processes (some people had significantly better experiences than others)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is exhausting and you will work non stop

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cymbeline - Acting in Performance

Course Department: Theatre
Instructor: Kelly Hunter
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I spent 5 weeks rehearsing for a production and it was one of the best experiences of my life. My director was brilliant and fun to work with, and I learned so much from her as well as from my cast.
Credit Transfer Issues: