Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Unforgettable Months Past Review

By (Arcadia University) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 05/27/2016 with

Arcadia: London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more knowledge on the world around me, met new lifelong friends, and learned more about myself and my independence. It was 100% worthwhile.

Review Photos

Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo Arcadia: London - University of Westminster Photo

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.

I found my classes to be at a moderate level, certainly not difficult but very interesting, informative, and somewhat fun.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was always someone available to ask questions or give advice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were many issues with housing, such as the elevators/lifts continuously breaking, the hot water not working, and the fire alarm going off unnecessarily at early morning hours. Though the location and the building itself was great.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got very sick in the beginning of the semester with the flu, and was able to easily go to Westminster's care center and then find an actual doctor to provide my care. It was simple and easy to navigate everything.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in London.

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)

Somewhat easily. If you carefully budget your expenses you will be fine, but most things are fairly expensive, especially with the added exchange rate.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find out what's cheaper for you and your bank (using your debit/credit card or taking out money), don't spend money on clothes or unnecessary items if you want to travel, use public transport (never use a taxi unless completely needed), buy food at the grocery store instead of shops, fast food places, restaurants, etc.

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?
  • The city
  • Traveling
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it was going to go by so quickly. I would've done even more things, travelled, and explored more.

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.