Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A mild look into UK culture July 30, 2026

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/05/2026 to 04/17/2026 with

Arcadia: London - Arcadia in London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot during my internship about UK work life culture, as well as just visiting places I always had wanted to go to, and doing things that I enjoyed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

I thought that the classes were fairly easy, and that the class schedule was very thoughtful, allowing for more free time and maybe even longer weekends, allowing you to go and see the UK or other countries and make the most of the abroad experience.

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? I would estimate around $100 on all necessary expenses, any travel or recreational activities not included.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes, spend the money on things that you value. For example, I really enjoy soccer (football) in the UK, so the majority of my spending was used on attending live matches when I could. Traveling was not as much of a priority for me, since I have been to a lot of places in Europe, but I understand that people do want to travel during their time abroad. So, I would highly reccomend trying to live off of bare necessities in order to be able to spend more on weekend trips and other fun things.

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

  • 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?
  • Class schedule
  • Employees of the school
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Housing quality
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will not be in classes with any locals, as well as it will be quite difficult to go out and play football in public, as all pitches are usually closed off.

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.'