Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beyond excellent experience. Learned and grew a ton and had so much fun! September 12, 2023

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2023 to 06/06/2023 with

Arcadia: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent. Learned how to problem solve and deal with all kinds of crazy situations. Learned to let loose and spend good quality time on my own. Learned about different cultures. Learned about the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed and learned a ton from my internship. I thought Queen Mary (where I took courses) was average, but I loved my internship so much that it made it worth it to have gone to QMUL. My internship was in a Psych lab in UCL, and I gained a ton from that experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had an average experience with the administration. I had a good experience with the administration in QMUL.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found that the program could not accommodate my needs as a Shabbat Observant and Kosher Observant Jew. I had to find my own housing which was very expensive and challenging. I would strongly suggest the program work on this issue because it made the experience of going abroad much more stressful in the preparations stage.

* Food:

I cooked all my own food in my apartment that I found independently. The experience was fine. It was definitely not easy to find Kosher food ay the beginning in London.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a great experience! Made British friends in both the workplace and in the community in London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thankfully did not end up needing to use my healthcare plan while I was there.

* Safety:

My phone did get stolen when I was in London by a man who was biking by. Thankfully I was unhurt, but this was definitely a scary experience.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved my internship so much and it provided flexibility for my schedule. It was an extremely unique experience, and I would highly recommend it to others.

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)

My weak spot was coffee shops. That raised my budget a ton.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between 50 and 60 pounds. Cooked for myself almost every night.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are planning to travel, book things as far in advanced as you can.

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

  • Local Students
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?
  • Internship
  • Traveling
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • Options on where to take courses
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how to navigate a foreign city. I know how to adapt to a completely new environment. I know how to be a tour guide of London.

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.