London: A Global, Exciting, and Rainy City Past Review

By (History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

Arcadia: London - London Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned important journalism skills from my internship, which will be a big help in my career goals.

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.

* 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?

Healthcare was easily accessible and the program coordinated with me directly and immediately to ensure that I received productive care.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I greatly enjoyed my experience in London, especially my internship. However, I may spend more time with local students.

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)

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
  • Other
* 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?
  • Internship
  • Local students
  • Arcadia University preparing the students
* What could be improved?
  • Too many freshman (first year) American students
  • Local food
  • Weather (can't help that)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? London's reputation as a rainy and cloudy city cannot be understated. I would have liked to know the best clothes to pack (jackets and boots included).

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

London: Experiencing the Global City

Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Chris McMillan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: While not an academically challenging, the course made excellent use of the location. Field trips included on-site visits to the numerous immigrant communities around London, along with sites conflicted by London's wealth divide. I participated actively, both in class and one-on-one with the professor. Assignments included four blog posts, a midterm exam, and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: