Past Review

By (Marketing., Bryant University) for

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself, as well as others. I am planning to go back at the end of August to pursue a program that includes an internship and classes that will go towards my MBA in international business.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My home university is primarily a Business School, therefore I took classes at QMUL that i wouldnt necessarily have the opportunity to take at Bryant. I took art history, architecture and humanities courses. I enjoyed this because it was different experience than what I was used to at Bryant. The educational system requires students to be a lot more independent. My assignments were mainly just papers that were due in the middle and end of the term. The UK grading system is also quite different. In the UK the letter grade "A" is a 70-74. I had to keep this in mind when I received my transcript, however Arcadia did the conversion of the grades for me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On site staff provided us with an informative 2 day orientation and also several day, and weekend trips which included shows, trips to scotland, paris, outdoor activity weekend in Wales as well as several others. They met with us in person twice while we were there to get an update about academics, and how we were adjusting.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a co-ed ensuite living arrangement (shared flat with 5 others, had own room and own bathroom, shared kitchen with other flatmates). There was one other American who was in my program who was in my flat. My other 4 flatmates were British students. The proximity to class was probably only 5-8 minutes. Sheets were provided, brought my own towels, flatmates let myself and the other American borrow cookware so we didn't have to buy or bring it with us. Campus itself was safe, closed, with security guards. Each dorm required a key and a swipe of student ID. Neighborhood was in the east end of London (Mile End tube stop). Area was a little sketchy at night, daytime it was totally fine. About a 10 minute tube ride to central London and Piccadilly. Going more east is where a lot of local Londeners go. Also, it is where the 2010 olympics will be held. Lots of fun local bars. We made up our own pub crawl and did it in the area.

* Food:

Was not provided a meal plan. Had a full kitchen to cook however. There is a small grocery store about 5 minutes away, kind of expensive however. Sainsbury's which is a larger chain require bus transportation. There is a convenient store on campus as well as a cafe that makes lunch, have to use own money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved London, fun city with lots to do and see. I strongly recommend it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe throughout the program. Its important to travel in groups at night time. But during the day, there was several times i went exploring and traveled the tube on my own.

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Language was English, so no language skills were neccessary.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I enjoyed the program. One unique aspect was part of our orientation required a weekend homestay in northern England (Worcester). This was an awesome experience. There were 2 other Arcadia students with me and we stayed with a great family, who treated us like their own.