IES Abroad London – Theater Studies

My experience in the IES London Theatre Studies program was nothing short of life-changing. As a theatre student, I needed to make sure that wherever I studied abroad was preparing me for my future career. London was the place that I could live and work surrounded by the industry that I am studying and IES Abroad was the perfect way for me to do this. Academically, I got loads of hands-on practical experience by attending productions, going backstage and doing workshops with professional artists working in London. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the entertainment industry or the performing arts in general. On top of academics, the IES community will always hold a special place in my heart. The administrations genuinely cares about the well-being of their students and I felt like I could personally connect with them. I wasn't just a number in the program, I was treated as a complete human being and was given a community that helped me thrive and live up to the best of my potential. After returning home, I am confident that London is somewhereI would love to move to long-term after graduation, and I wouldn't have realized that if it weren't for my semester studying abroad with IES.

Step 1: Go. And don't look back.

I grew so much as a human and performer (which is what I was studying) in my time abroad. I had the entire world, culturally and artistically, at my fingertips. Each weekend I would sit with my friends, over a full potluck we cooked together at only 19 or 20 years old, and decide whether or not we wanted to go see 3 shows on the West End this weekend, or go to France and try escargot and fine wine. To put it simply, the availability to extend myself whichever way I wanted, grew me. The opportunities to be around some of the best theatre in the world, grew me. Making my own choices and handling my own responsibilities halfway across the world, grew me. I would recommend this program to anyone who has anxiety, or is bad at decision making. This will shake these things out of you, or at least help to, in the most rewarding way.

Maybe it was our enthusiasm because we were in a new country. Maybe it was positive energy established and maintained by faculty and administration at IES London. Nonetheless, I have never felt such strong connections be formed so fast. Within days I made friends that quickly became forever friends. Some came with me from my home college whereas others I met for the first time while abroad. Some were even residents of England and other countries across Europe and even the world. Despite all that, I spent so much time, shared so many experiences and felt so much love from each and everyone of these beautiful people. In fact, I am still in contact to this very day with all of them. We can speak everyday or once a week, once a month even and the genuine love and affection built during our time with in London does not waiver. I would have never come across the wonderful people I did without IES London.

IES provided me with a stable foundation to make my own experience with my study abroad program. Even through some issues, IES remained steadfast in its goal to provide each student with the means necessary to craft their own adventure economically and safely. I would do it again in a heartbeat. IES provided me with a stable foundation to make my own experience with my study abroad program. Even through some issues, IES remained steadfast in its goal to provide each student with the means necessary to craft their own adventure economically and safely. I would do it again in a heartbeat. IES provided me with a stable foundation to make my own experience with my study abroad program. Even through some issues, IES remained steadfast in its goal to provide each student with the means necessary to craft their own adventure economically and safely. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

When I decided to study abroad, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. London, England was the only choice for me. I wanted to learn everything that I possibly could from the extraordinary people in this wonderful city. My ten-year goal at the time was to actually live in London, England and establish a life for myself there. I wanted to use my study abroad experience as a sort of "tester" for eventually living there.
I chose IES Abroad because it offered a flexible program that could work with both my majors. I am currently pursuing a double-degree in theatre and business marketing at my home university and wanted a program in which I was able to study both of these subjects. IES Abroad London - Theatre Studies program allowed me to focus on my theatre classes and be with fellow theatre majors while also taking additional business classes.
IES Abroad also makes it SUPER easy to travel while doing a semester abroad, but it is not required to travel independently. I participated in almost all of IES Abroad's travel programs and was not disappointed. I visited all of the places that I wanted and learned even more about the country itself.
After a semester abroad, I really wanted to come home to the States, but the IES Abroad program staff and professors made this one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Deciding the spend the semester in London was one of the best choices I could have made. IES Abroad is a wonderful company to work with. The staff, both in the US and London are incredibly helpful and are willing to answer any questions you might have and make sure that you are adjusting to the city well.
The theatre classes gave us great first hand experiences with the theatre industry within London. Seeing performances were an important part of our learning. In our classes we discussed the importance of theatre within our society, what worked and didn't work about the shows we saw, and we were able to experiences other elements of theatre within the community, such as Shakespeare with a homeless outreach center, talking to professionals in their fields, and voice over work. The professors were incredibly helpful and we were encouraged to think about the subjects and the world in different ways.
This program is great if you want to learn and fulfill credits at your home school, but also explore and travel. There is ample time to travel to other countries and cities, and the staff and professors encourage that. And if you are wanting to spend more time in London, there is more than enough to keep you busy and having fun. This program is great for those who want to have fun, learn, and travel. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

This was the best experience I could have hoped for. I learned so much about myself and the world, and I have grown so much. The classes were amazing and the opportunities in London are endless. I highly recommend everyone should study abroad. It will change you totally for the better.