Meet Amber Eastcott
B.F.A. in Media Production
The Study Abroad Student Who Stayed
Amber Eastcott had no intention of getting her Bachelor's degree at a U.K. university. The Michigan native was happily enrolled at Central Michigan University and came to AIU London for a one-year study abroad program affiliated with CMU. She liked American InterContinental University and London so much, however, she never left.
"I liked the professors and the small class sizes that are standard at AIU. Both make it very easy to get a lot of feedback and one-on-one time with professors and other students. I am also absolutely in love with the city of London. I am lucky enough to meet amazing people every day and I have made great friends."
It hasn't all been easy, though. Amber has had to do a fair bit of finagling to finance her education and even had to withdraw during one term. "I didn't have enough money to renew my student visa, pay for classes, and pay rent. My parents do not pay for my education at all." She returned to the U.S., worked for several months and then moved back to London and AIU to finish her studies. "I've had to make many sacrifices in order to finance my education, but I think it has been worth it."
Majoring in Media Production, Amber will receive both an American and a British Bachelor's degree when she graduates this June. "My education will have taught me some of the basic skills I need to know in order to start in my desired field. Having the two Bachelor's degrees (there are additional requirements for students to meet to receive a British B.A.) is an added element."
Amber won't just have degrees, however, but hands-on knowledge. "Students in the Media Production department are given a reasonable amount of freedom with their classes. We can choose what course offerings we are most interested in and make that our concentration (please reference catalog for listing of concentrations). For example, in a video production class you can write, direct, produce, edit, do the sound design, write music, etc. These types of classes allow you to work together with other students and create a project that meets the class criteria, all the while allowing students to choose what roles they would like to perform in the production."
"Artistic careers such as artist, filmmaker, musician, etc., don't necessarily need an education. Many times it boils down to who you know. Some technical skills can be self-taught. Education can be extremely valuable for those who do not know anyone in their industries or have the appropriate skills to start out, however. That was why I am getting my degree: I didn't know where else to start and needed the knowledge, the skills training, and the experience of working within the industry. And I've been able to do it in a wonderful city, different and diverse from anything I've ever experienced."
Media Production is no longer offered at this campus.
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