Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning what it means to be British. Past Review

By (English & Art History, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/02/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

Arcadia: London - Arcadia in London Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What it means to be British beyond the stereotypes - how to act on the tube, what lingo to use when ordering food, how to communicate within the same language but still across a definite language barrier. Yes, yes, a million times yes.

Review Photos

Arcadia: London - London Now, Summer Photo Arcadia: London - London Now, Summer Photo Arcadia: London - London Now, Summer Photo Arcadia: London - London Now, Summer Photo

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:

* 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

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? At least $200... and I didn't eat out often. I mostly grocery shopped and ate at home.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Come prepared with recipes that consist of inexpensive food items. Definitely take advantage of the grocery stores.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Meeting locals
  • Engaging in "football" culture
  • Experiencing British art/theatre first hand - having it integrated into my course
* What could be improved?
  • More reliable internet in the housing for home-communication purposes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the exchange rate really is going to be horrible - to save up twice as much money as I thought I would need.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'