Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing cultural experience with academic flaws Past Review

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 06/06/2015 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The whole world does not run the same way the US does. There is a deeper appreciation for the city, the food, culture, and for others. It was an amazing experience, one in which I learned so much about the world and about how I view it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were not challenging and the material that we were graded on was completely subjective.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

University itself was nice, but a lot of things were not corrected. Internet was down during finals period, power went out, constant construction.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Flats were nothing amazing, but fine for five months.

* Food:

Only one place that offers a "meal plan" and the food was sub par

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The british people were friendly and the culture was very inviting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Located in a safe area of london, but doors don't always lock

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

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)

London is extremely expensive. Two classes that I took required a tube ride each week so that's $16 a week in class costs alone.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook often!

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
* 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?
  • The amount of travel time
  • Organized events by arcadia
  • The freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Teaching staff
  • Price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? London is very expensive, travel with a close group of friends, make sure you don't turn down possibly amazing experiences

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.