Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience that it is important to begin with realistic expectations. Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2019 to 06/01/2019 with

Arcadia: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about time management and being independent. I also learned a lot about numerous different cultures. Studying abroad was absolutely worth while.

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.

The education was different from what I was used to. It was definitely challenging and all of my professors were knowledgable and helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program hosts I do not believe provided as much support as other programs I heard of. There were very few extracurricular activities planned by the host programs to meet people after orientation. There were a few events held but they were only in London and only with the 5 or so people at my school. There are other programs in Europe that take their groups on weekend trips to other countries. Additionally the communication between the team there seems to be disconnected about certain subject.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the cost of the housing it was not worth it. I do appreciate that it was extremely convenient having my program set up all the details of my housing, however my room window faced the windows of two other flat's kitchens about 5 yards away. If I had more knowledge of the area I think I would have looked into getting my own housing.

* Food:

I though food provided by the program and within the country was quite good. It was nice to be able to find a couple brands that I was used to from home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think adjusting to the culture was easy and fun, I felt like by the end of my trip I knew cultural cues very well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

my program advisor as well as school staff made extensive efforts to familiarize students with available healthcare and support options.

* Safety:

while I never feel safe walking alone at night, my host city felt safer than most of the cities from my home country.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

After seeing programs my friends did I think if I had been more well versed in my options I would have chosen a program in a warmer country, and or done a program that could have provided me with more unique experiences.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depended on whether I was traveling or not that week, generally in London I spent between 70 and 100$ a week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • My school was in a great a location
  • London is a great location to travel around
  • I liked the culture of London
* What could be improved?
  • The effort the program puts into helping students meet locals
  • Events run by the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the culture in London, enough to know where to rent my own flat for the semester.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.