City, University of London Review - The Best 4 Months of My Life

When I think about a time I was the happiest, I think about studying abroad in London at City University through Arcadia and all of the traveling that I was able to do while I was there. I made friends from across the US and the world as we became like a family abroad. I had an incredible academic experience that not only expanded my knowledge and understanding of the topics I was studying, but also influenced my academic and career path. I left City University of London having learned a great deal and through a different perspective than I would have in the US, which is crucial. City has top-tier International Politics modules and lecturers, with many interesting topics, which played a role in why I chose City to begin with. The Forced Migration module that I completed at City is still my favorite class that I have ever taken and it prompted me to pursue the topic of forced migration even further and more in-depth once I returned to my home school. I thoroughly enjoyed the UK style of teaching and the focus on building students' knowledge base and understanding of the topics being studied. Having my grade rely heavily on two key assessments in an entire semester was daunting at first, but not having constant assignments allowed me to spend more time reading the recommended literature and to truly absorb what I was learning and understand the topics I was studying. I retained what I learned in a way that I often did not with the US style of teaching. Additionally, Arcadia provided incredible support from arrival and orientation until departure from the program. I also knew that they were always a resource for me to reach out to if I ever needed it. I loved that they planned different excursions and meet-ups for us. The Arcadia London staff truly provides a community for students studying abroad in England through Arcadia Abroad. Arcadia also provided our housing just a short walk from campus at the Thoresby House in Islington with the rest of the program participants. We had kitchens fully-stocked with all of the utensils we needed to cook in, laundry machines, bedding provided, and so much more. Thoresby House provided me a tight-knit community while I was overseas and also helped me form lifelong friendships. Another bonus about Thoresby House is that because of its location, there is lots to do, many places to shop and eat, and public transportation readily available nearby. Lastly, I fell in love with being abroad, and with London more specifically, making moving to London at some point a life goal of mine. London has it all: an incredible food scene (including Camden Market and some of the best gluten-free food I have ever had), many green space, lively/unique/robust neighborhoods, amazing public transportation, and so much more. London is also a travel hub, which allowed me to partake in many travel adventures outside of London, as well. It was the most worthwhile experience. From the Arcadia housing (location, format, living with the other Arcadia students, etc.), to the academics at City University of London, to the Arcadia London staff, to all of the experiences I had because of this program, I can say without a doubt that I would choose Arcadia Abroad - City University of London again. I only have positive things to say about the program.