Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved Queen Mary but going through Arcadia did not improve the experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2017 to 06/10/2017 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was very worthwhile. I learned how to adapt to a different society and culture, to learn about there customs, and become immersed in them.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

Food was not provided by the program

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I would choose the same city and university but I would not go through Arcadia; I do not feel that it added much to the experience

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? $70-$100

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living in dorms with local students
  • Studying at Queen Mary
  • Taking day trips outside of the city
* What could be improved?
  • More group activities and trips as part of the program (not costing extra)
  • Arcadia reaching out to students more than twice during the semester
  • Having a meal plan be included in the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how on my own I was going to be as soon as I was dropped off at Queen Mary. After orientation Arcadia did not make a huge effort to help students become integrated into the school and it was very much left up to each individual person to figure everything out.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!