A Broke World Traveler Past Review
By A student (Music, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/03/2019 to 06/01/2019 with
Arcadia: London - King's College London
I learned how to navigate and live in a large city all by myself. This has definitely helped prepare me for my future living in NYC.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My flat was extremely nice, but only because I requested to move from the accommodations they had put me in. My roommate preference sheet was completely ignored, so I was placed with people I was not compatible with. Regardless, I made do. |
| * Food: |
No real dining halls at Kings, so we had to find food on our own, which was pricey. I usually went for a sandwich at Pret. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since I had family there and they spoke the same language there, it was comparable to New York City. I also joined the Rolling Tones acappella group, and they helped integrate me into the British culture. I'd definitely recommend joining a club or two at Kings--there are tons. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Geoblue was terrific. I had a dental issue and a vocal issue, and both appointments were covered with little hassle. |
| * Safety: |
If you're a woman like myself, be very cautious at night. I was catcalled, approached, and chased/followed on numerous occasions. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
London has become one of my favorite places on Earth, and even like a 3rd home. I have tons of friends that I am certain I will keep in touch with, especially from my acappella group. |
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 wanted to travel a lot while I was there. Thus, I had numerous financial scares that I had never experienced before. It was difficult, especially because I was not allowed to work while I was there because of the visa I was on. If I could have done a paid internship, I would've been much better of. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 250 pounds a week (travel expenses & food) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Either don't travel as much as I did (22 cities), or save up like crazy. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I knew how much money I'd end up spending. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
