Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great growth, different program Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 04/15/2017 with

Arcadia: London - Arcadia in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained tough skin and how to be more independent.

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.

Not clear what they wanted, blamed it on cultural difference rather than explaining

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Poor, and usually aggressive when it came to a miscommunication

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Gave one week prior to program started, constant construction that disturbed my learnings and sleep. Also, super far away from school and central London

* Food:

Irrelevant

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Spent most of my time commuting to class, and traveling on the weekend. Didn't have much time to feel integrated in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Went to the doctor, got birth control and help with some pains.

* Safety:

Felt safe in my neighborhood and at school.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The structure of this program needs a lot of work. I spent months planning ahead of time, and staying in constant contact with my advisor abroad. I was unaware and blindsided by many things such as the tube expenses, which the program came off as they were paying for. This was a $400 unexpected expense. That was just one of the many issues Arcadia needs to troubleshoot.

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? Budget before hand

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Professors
  • Housing
  • Clarity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would have many surprises, and come with a larger budget.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.