Visiting the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Borough Market.  Studying British Culture. Venturing to Wales and Scotland. Exploring museums, galleries, gardens, pubs, and charming streets. Developing a global mindset with all London has to offer.   

These are just a few of the experiences Arcadia University students will embark upon this year as part of the First-Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE), an experiential, integrative learning experience for first-year Arcadia students.

“The opportunity to spend a semester in London in their first year has the potential to amplify a student’s academic pursuits and personal development. With London as their classroom and Arcadia faculty and staff at their side, students grow leaps and bounds,” says Scott Terry, Arcadia’s Director of Global Engagement.   

As a leader in study abroad, Arcadia has been supporting studying abroad since 1948. This year is even more special as FYSAE celebrates 20 years. With over 1,000 students calling themselves FYSAE alumni, the impact of this program continues to grow.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

At Arcadia, we like to think big. FYSAE students learn outside of the classroom walls and leverage London by putting knowledge into practice in real and varied ways.  

Arcadia faculty use London itself as the classroom, taking students into the streets to bring their studies to life in the communities and places they are learning about. Visits to galleries, theaters, historical sites, local communities, and markets give students insights and experiences that augment their classroom learning, giving them genuine insights into this exciting city, its diverse population and traditions, and its incredibly rich culture.

“The approach our faculty take to street teaching gets our students under the skin of this fascinating city and gives them the skills and confidence to navigate a big metropolis and truly understand what makes it tick,” states Andrew George, Arcadia’s Regional Director for the UK & Ireland and Director of the London Center.  

Affordable & Accessible

FYSAE students, like others who study abroad for a semester while at Arcadia, pay the same Glenside tuition and fees when they are in London, with all financial aid carried over, ensuring an accessible and enriching international experience for all.
High school students and families interested in learning more or applying to FYSAE can read more at the FYSAE website.