Arcadia England

Brandeis student Nico Sloan has made the most of every minute of his study abroad experience, joining choirs at UCL and taking part in all sorts of activities. Here he shares his experience of volunteering through Arcadia.

The point of studying in London, for me, is the opportunity to experience a new culture. England is a world away from New Jersey, so I’ve been resolved to immerse myself in the city as much as possible since I stepped off the plane at Heathrow. With so much opportunity, though, it can be hard to know where to start. Grand plans wither and stagnate, and you can end up feeling stuck. Volunteering was one of those things that helped me break out of my American bubble and really get something richer out of my few short months here.

Living and learning with a cohort of American students coming from situations similar to my own, it hasn’t always been easy to meet actual Londoners. Arcadia does a great job of planning fun, historical outings to get everyone a feel for the city, but it can be difficult to make them feel authentic. With both Dragon Hall and the Friday Club, I found that authenticity. People–and specifically people who aren’t necessarily used to being heard–shared real stories, and the time I’ve spent listening could not have been spent any better.

Volunteering was one of those things that helped me break out of my American bubble and really get something richer out of my few short months here.

On one hand, it’s just nice to work. As I'm in the UK as a Visitor I’m not allowed to take a job, so volunteering lets me satisfy that urge to be useful while I’m gorging myself on history and pop culture in the city. The Friday Club is restaurant-style, more fast paced and task oriented. If you’re just looking for some work it’s easy to stay busy, but during the breaks I’ve had the privilege to speak with some of the diners there. Everyone has a story to tell, everyone asks about your accent, and it’s just a delight to take part in something bigger than yourself.

If kitchen labor isn’t really your thing, Dragon Hall might suit you better. It has been a staple on my calendar for a number of afternoons. The staff are wonderful, and the vibe is more laid back (but chaotic; they’re kids after all). I’m used to working with kids back home, so it wasn’t much of a shock to be battered with questions about America. In fact, I always love to shore up bits of US culture for them. Dragon Hall above all else has really been my chance to get to know people from London. Kids will tell it as it is, and with members across different postcodes and economic backgrounds, you end up learning the finer points of city living. Later in the evening the older kids hang out, and being just a couple years my junior, it’s super easy to chat with them about news or music or whatever’s on your mind. I’d be remiss to leave out the games, which are predictably fun, but kids are brutal. I’m a competitive guy, don’t get me wrong, but I have regrettably been smoked a number of times in ping pong facing off against a grade 6 rival.

For me, it really comes down to the people. Not everybody you meet is going to be your best friend, but everyone you meet can teach you something. Everyone studying abroad has a slider, and that slider sits somewhere in between PEH hermit and triple-booked Fridays. I will always advocate for everyone to push that slider a little further towards the latter, because at least for me, my numbered days in London are too precious to waste in my room.