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London: AMAZING, just dont go with Arcadia

A Study Abroad Program Review For

Arcadia: London - London Internship

Program Information

Whether you want to gain financial experience in a commodities brokerage, work in an auction house or at an advertising agency, explore non-profit management or assist a British MP in the Houses of Parliament, our internships consist of much more than mere observation or filing paperwork. In addition to your 3... More

Provider: Arcadia
Location(s): London, The United Kingdom
Year Founded:
Website Take me there!
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Review By:

Kat M. (BA Art History, The University of Texas at Austin) on August 29, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2011-06-01
* End Date: 2011-07-14
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

workload was a bit much, grading system was unclear and inconsistent, teaching methods were ineffective

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff was not helpful, churlish, often aggressive, uncommunicative, and dismissive of student concerns and questions.

* Housing:

Housing was completely sub-par, with rude staff and with nothing along the lines of sheets, etc. provided.

* Food:

food in London is amazing, you just have to find it for yourself

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very little arranged by Arcadia. We did go to the Globe Theater one night, that's about it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

London is amazing, and very safe.

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did The University of Texas at Austin prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? No
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's hard not to love London, just try and find any other program than Arcadia to go with. Traveling is easy, the people and culture are awesome, and there's never a shortage of things to do !
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Definitely worthwhile, if only because I had to deal with awful staff. But the four days a week I didn't have to deal with Arcadia were always fantastic.