Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Transformation Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A new sense of confidence and love of travel

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.

The program was quite rigorous, especially because most of my classes were assessed on coursework only. I wish exams had been scheduled for the exam period, when most of us had much less work to do. With that said, the program offered great and helpful resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Small room, but conveniently close to classes

* Food:

I didn't eat much food on campus, but it was decent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt fairly well integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Queen Mary doesn't have its own health center on campus, which was disappointing.

* Safety:

Queen Mary is not located in the safest part of London, which I was unaware of. The city as a whole is very safe, and I did not have to deal with any incidents.

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)

Food and transportation costs add up

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook whenever possible

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

  • 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?
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Arcadia is an excellent support system when adjusting to a foreign country. They plan great excursions and events. However, if I could decide now, I may have chosen to enroll in a different London university through Arcadia.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!