Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study in a big city so you find inspiration everyday. February 01, 2023

By (Business, Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/14/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

Arcadia: London - Queen Mary University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My entire semester was really fun and spontaneous. I visited 9 countries during my semester abroad. It's so cheap and easy to visit all the European countries (mostly). I made some great friends in London and it's definitely an experience of a lifetime. It makes me want to travel more and explore our beautiful world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

QMUL is very lenient with associate students. The curriculum for study abroad students was much easier than at my home school. It's also very common that your entire course is graded 100% on exams. The exams are generally really easy and online.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat with 9 other people, sharing one kitchen. It was nice but annoying to clean. My room encountered a few insects and I had some serious molding going on in the corner of my room. The sink is also very small.

* Food:

They had the same food every other night. For the "international" food, it was only glass noodles with chicken. It was good food, but not every single day. And you had to pay 6 pounds for each meal. Not a great portion either.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Mile End isn't really that safe. A lot of solicitors and random drunk people hang out on the streets, especially at night. Also the city was a little dirty.

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

I mean, the program didn't do anything wrong, so sure.

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? 500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live life, spend on what makes you happy.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Easiness in traveling to other countries
  • No textbook or learning material costs
  • Big program so can meet a lot of other students
* What could be improved?
  • Food choices
  • Housing costs
  • More fun events to meet other program members
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Buy plane tickets at least two weeks before!

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.