Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Came home a completely different person. September 09, 2025

By (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/18/2025 to 08/01/2025 with

Arcadia: London - STEM Summer Research - London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I proved to myself that I am ready to be independent and manage a career and a life outside of that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My lab was amazing and I learned so much! That said though, the program was very independent because everyone was on their own schedule and it got lonely sometimes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was super friendly and I enjoyed the events they hosted, however it was challenging at some points because the actual Arcadia School was closed during the summer.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was totally livable, but got very hot.

* Food:

Food was not included.

* 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? Yes

I think the program was very expensive, especially for not providing food, however my lab and the research experience I gained from this was worth it.

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 was very expensive and I found myself more concerned about food prices and less about enjoying the experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 dollars on food alone
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out your budget beforehand and stick to it.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 people
  • The research
  • Exploring a new place
* What could be improved?
  • The cost
  • The social piece
  • The housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how to cook before going on this program, I think I would have benefitted from that.

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!