Best Experience of My Life Past Review
By Serena Newberry (English Education, Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 01/01/2018 to 06/02/2018 with
Arcadia: London - Goldsmiths, University of London
I gained a lot of experience with managing a monthly budget, becoming familiar with a new environment, learning how to navigate foreign transportation systems, and arranging travel plans. All of the challenges I overcame to make this opportunity happen were certainly worthwhile.
Review Photos
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. |
I had a wonderful time during my five months in London. My study abroad program provided opportunities to take part in local travel and offered a writing resource center that was open for a few hours every weekday. I also knew that my program contact was available if I had any questions. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration staff checked in regularly, including when I was traveling in other European countries, and always responded quickly to my emails when I had questions. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had my own room and bathroom, and shared a kitchen with my 7 flatmates. Although it was smaller than I was used to, there was still plenty of space and I loved it. |
* Food: |
There was no meal plan for my university, so I cooked my own meals or ate from local restaurants. I greatly enjoy cooking, so there was no issue concerning food. Also, everything is a lot fresher than the fruits and vegetables I usually purchase from American grocery stores. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although most of the friends I made were American or study abroad students from various other European countries, I connected and became close with my British classmates, traveled all around the city to the point where I could give directions on the tube, and I volunteered with a local after school program. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
During my study abroad experience, I never used my abroad health insurance, however I was happy to know I could. Still, I gave an average rating because I have asthma and my lungs were very irritated by the smoke I inhaled during my time abroad, even though I do not smoke at all. |
* Safety: |
I felt safe when I was traveling around the city, but several of my friends did not. London is a very busy city and there is a large homeless population, but the key to staying safe is simply being aware of your surroundings. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Arcadia was incredibly helpful during my time abroad, and Goldsmith's University truly was the perfect program for me. I lived and made friends with several people from countries all over Europe and America, and I plan to stay in contact with all of them. I also learned about various works of literature and cultural theories in my English classes on Shakespeare and Sensibility & Romanticism, and my education course on Culture & Identity. I also had an invaluable one-on-one class for Intermediate Mandarin, which expanded my knowledge of the language and culture. |
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) |
I am a very frugal person by nature, so adhering to my budget wasn't an issue. However, I never fully adjusted to the currency difference. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-120 pounds |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My advice would be to create a budget prior to going abroad. My monthly budget included: souvenirs, groceries, recreational activities, laundry, eating out, necessities, and miscellaneous expenses. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I had a one-on-one Intermediate Mandarin course for 2 hours twice a week. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Lower-Intermediate |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The best way to practice is by speaking with other people who speak the language, practicing writing the language on a regular basis, and listening to television shows and movies that use the language you are studying. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have purchased all of my textbooks online or borrowed them from the library, because after 5 months abroad, there was no room for my large textbooks in my suitcase. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |