The most life-changing experience of my life! September 03, 2025
By Griffin H (Biomedical Sciences, Xavier University) - abroad from 01/05/2025 to 04/17/2025 with
Arcadia: London - Arcadia in London
I learned a lot of geography, grew a lot of people skills, and immersed myself in dozens of different cultures. It was extremely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Extremely immersed! Professors were kind and did a good job of incorporating London into the classes. Sometimes the tests felt like they were meant to test a depth of knowledge that was unreasonable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had constant support from all of the Arcadia staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I wish there were more private spaces, but PEH was great and close to town. |
| * Food: |
Honestly kind of disappointed with the food in London, but the fish and chips were spectacular. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our group made an effort to immerse ourselves into the culture. Hitting the pubs was our favorite thing to do! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't need any healthcare |
| * Safety: |
City felt very safe if you were with a group. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I can't put into words how much this program changed me as a person. I grew a huge sense of independence while making the most amazing memories. Everyday I think about how much I miss study abroad. |
Finances
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* 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) |
I traveled a lot so I spent probably 400-500 every week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 500 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Book flights early, use hostels, go to grocery stores when you can. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The first couple of weeks are going to be rough; It's a huge adjustment. If you stick with it and put yourself out there, you will have the most fun you've ever had. Make sure to save twice as much money as you have budgeted. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
