Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go abroad! June 01, 2024

By (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2024 to 06/01/2024 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and living in a city environment. I also learned how to deal with mental/emotional hardships, meet new people, and manage homesickness and loneliness.

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.

Academics were very different from that of American universities. I wish there had been more academic-specific support for study abroad students who were not used to the British teaching/learning style.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Arcadia program was helpful in facilitating our transition into studying abroad. They offered good and relatively cheap excursions that were planned for us, which I appreciated. We also had periodic check ins with Arcadia staff which were nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with my own personal living arrangements on the Mile End Campus in Maynard House. However, I knew of many people living in Fielden House who experienced significant maintenance issues.

* Food:

The food was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the culture by the time I left, almost like a local.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I took part in therapy sessions while I was abroad to help with anxiety and other issues. I was glad that the Arcadia-provided insurance allowed 12 therapy sessions. However, it did take a little while to connect me with a therapist to get started.

* Safety:

I felt generally safe and never had any issues personally.

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

I would definitely go to London again. I would also go to Queen Mary again because I prefer a campus environment and I liked that it was not in a touristy area, but it was very easy to get to other areas of London.

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)

While London is expensive, I found it possible to live comfortably on the money I had saved up from my summer internship.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $90 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving as early as possible. Buy groceries and cook meals during the week, and during the weekend splurge a little more on eating out and exploring. Go to food markets because they have great food at cheaper costs than fancy restaurants.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • Environment of London
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Community of program
  • Resources from Queen Mary
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad is not going to be perfect, sometimes it is going to be hard, but if you persevere and have an open mind it can be worth it. Also, there is nothing wrong with spending time alone with yourself.

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!