Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime (with apologies to my bank account) Past Review

By (History, American Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 06/05/2015 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Nearly every study abroad student I know has the time of their life while study abroad no matter where they go and that's no different for me. It was without a doubt worthwhile and I learned so much about London, England, Europe, and the world as well as a great deal about myself.

Review Photos

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London Photo

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.

Varies based on course of study and the abilities of the professor but overall the History department offered a wide range of classes with varying degrees of difficulty.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia was very hands-off after the initial orientation other than one or two check ins which was something I appreciated. I assume they were always available if I were to seek them out but I never really did.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was fantastic with an individual room and bathroom and mini fridge provided. Living with Brits was a great experience as well. however some dorms are created better than others so some amenities vary based on which dorm you are in.

* Food:

I didn't eat at the school cafeteria but there are a couple grocery stores within walking distance and pubs nearby as well. As with everything in London, the food is expensive, but you could find anything you are looking for.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Pretty well integrated given the amount of time I was there. Living with local students helped as did the lack of a true language barrier.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not deal with health care but the program made us get an international health plan during our stay which was good for piece of mind at the very least.

* Safety:

London is super safe. There are cameras everywhere so as long as you aren't the person causing trouble, trouble is rarely found.

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

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)

It's London, the cheapest thing they have are flights.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just stay on top of it and buy flights as soon as you can and they should be well priced.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • The Brunch Burger at Spoons
  • Cheap flights to everywhere
  • Everything else
* What could be improved?
  • The Pound could be devalued a bit.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That nearly everyone in every major city I visited in Europe spoke English conversationally. I would not have done a different program looking back on it but I would have considered more foreign speaking countries when choosing a location.

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.