Best Experience of My Life Past Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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• Dorm

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• All of my professors were incredibly passionate about their subject material.
• London is an amazing city and I had the opportunity to travel to several nearby countries.
• Through Arcadia, I found an after school program to volunteer with for six weeks.

• Tighter security would have been a major improvement during my experience. There were some very loud and disruptive residents who lived near me, and I had to deal with an inconsiderate flatmate for weeks who filled the flat hallway with smoke.

The Academic or Linguist