London: The NYC of the UK Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was difficult to get used to the teaching style and different coursework expectations. You get much less feedback in general and the expectations of the students is culturally very different... a 70 is an A, and it is harder to get that 70 than any A I've ever gotten in the U.S. The teachers know a lot, and they expect students to be passionate about what they are teaching. They expect you to go above and beyond and do your own research and reading, aside from what is assigned, otherwise you will not get high marks. Just doing the required amount isn't enough. Not to say it isn't possible, just different than how people in the U.S. view it.

On-site administration of your program

The people were very nice and helpful, they just weren't as involved with the London Now program as they were with the Arcadia freshman program going on concurrently. (mostly because the freshman lived above their office, where we did not) I think the are moving their office, so this might be fixed soon.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a very good location (NIDO King's Cross), so very close to City University and King's Cross Station. Sheets, dishes, and cooking things were provided. You share a room with another person in the exchange program, so who you get will affect your happiness with the situation a lot. All of the students in the London Now program were in the same hall, so it was very fun. Very secure location, but the guards were on a little power trip...

Everyone says the food isn't good, they are crazy!!!! The food in England is amazing! It is fresher and better for you. The McDonald's is even good... just don't expect good Mexican food, lol.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The clubs and pubs are awesome =) Arcadia arranged a trip to Wales, which was amazing! I went cliff diving, definitely the experience of a lifetime!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Don't go anywhere alone at night... pretty standard for any large city. Watch your stuff, it will get stolen if you don't watch it, even in a library.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• International Students
• Americans
• Local Students

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• The ease of travel to other countries and the classes I got to take.

• I think it's just whatever you make of it, not much the program should do to improve.