Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm Moving Back to London ASAP Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 04/19/2014 with

Arcadia: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and know what I want in life now and who I am.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was amazing, but the flat was kind of terrible. Terrible internet connection, a TV from the 90s, office chairs in the living room rather than an actual couch, dirty carpet, hard beds, not enough silverware or cups, and an oven that barely worked.

* Food:

We had to buy food and make our own meals. For what we were paying, I think there should have been some type of meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thankfully, having an internship in London allowed me to integrate with the local culture. If it wasn't for my internship I don't know if I would have made any British friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel incredibly safe in London.

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

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)

London is just SO incredibly expensive. It would've been nice to have a meal plan so we didn't have to worry about food expenses as much.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Easily over 150 pounds each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a spreadsheet of everything you purchase. It puts how much you're actually spending into perspective and you'll be able to help yourself budget better.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • My internship
  • One of my professors and his class
* What could be improved?
  • Staff communication with students
  • Less class hours if you have an internship!!!
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How many class hours I had to take (16) plus my 24-hour/week internship. Too much.

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.