Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable experiences with amazing people Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/03/2018 to 06/02/2018 with

Arcadia: London - King's College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
All the cliches and adages are true, so entirely worthwhile (to be brief)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were much weaker than I expected, especially in comparison to the rigor and expectations of my home institution.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia was satisfactory in assisting as necessary, though that was limited

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Got lucky to live in the best Unite Students KCL housing.

* Food:

Cooked myself and ate around London--few cities are better.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's all what you make it

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Only had one health issue, but it was taken care of promptly and adequately

* Safety:

It's as safe as any major city globally, no concerns before or during.

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

KCL and much of the academic system is inadequate compared to rigorous US institutions and academic programs

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? Can't estimate
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and prioritize

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

  • 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?
  • People I met
  • Experiences and Trips
  • Self-learning Opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Better academic experience
  • More orientation events
  • Counsel on financial management
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That KCL academics is significantly easier, less engaging, and overall weaker than the academics at my home institution

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.