Arcadia England

For students joining us in the Spring, we are very excited to announce the program of events that will be on offer to you!

We’ve selected some of the best places and experiences that we think will be a great introduction to your new home in the UK.

So with your arrival in London just over a month away, read on below for what we have in store. If you want to sign up to any of the events, registration will open in Passport on Thursday 3 December 2015 at noon (EST) and will close on Friday 1 January 2016 at midnight (EST).

Theatre - Ibsen's the Master Builder at the Old Vic

Themes: The Underground, Life & Death

The UK, and London in particular, enjoys a rich and varied cultural life. Whether it’s an opportunity to see the works of Shakespeare performed in his own home town, a cutting edge production at the National Theatre, or a fringe event at one of the smaller theatres in London, all provide an opportunity to explore and to see the human experience and British life reflected, and to examine British life in relation to your own attitudes, beliefs and experience. Whether it be a light hearted comedy, a musical, or a more overtly serious piece dealing with the darkness of the human heart. Ibsen’s classic has Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter, Grand Budapest Hotel) in the lead role.

Rugby Match - Saracens vs Bath

Themes: Tribes, Sensory

Each semester we offer an opportunity to observe, and become part of British sporting culture through spectating at sporting events. You can tell a lot about a culture from its sporting activities, both activities associated with sports and from those watching. This semester we will be going to watch a rugby match with London based Saracens playing at home against Bath Rugby.

Windsor Castle Day Trip

Themes: Life & Death, Tribes, Tradition & Innovation

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world with approximately 500 residents all year around! It is Queen Elizabeth’s weekend home and is often used for royal functions. The castle is famous for its beauty and its long history. The castle was first built in the 11th century after William the Conqueror and it has been used by monarchs since the reign of Henry I, making it the longest occupied palace in all of Europe. It was originally built to protect London by overseeing the River Thames, but it’s purpose has changed drastically over the course of time. Join us on this visit to marvel at the architecture, and to devour the royal history within.

Wales Adventure Weekend

Themes: Sensory, Total Immersion, Tribes

During this unique weekend away you’ll stay in a fully catered lodge, be led by experienced and trusted guides, and explore the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural environment with outdoor hiking. Additionally the weekend will include activities such as sea kayaking, surfing and coasteering.

Please note this event leaves on a Friday afternoon, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms

Themes: Life & Death, Tradition, Sensory

This museum comprises the Cabinet War Rooms, a historic underground complex that was home to government command centre during the Second World War. You can also see the Churchill Museum, a museum exploring the life of the then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. During the war, two rooms were of particular importance. The map room was constantly in use. The other was the Cabinet Room in which Churchill declared: ‘This is the room from which I will direct the war.’

Please note this event leaves on a Friday afternoon, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Dublin Weekend - Centenary of a nation rising

Themes: Tradition & Innovation, Tribes, Life & Death

This semester as part of the Life of the Mind theme, ‘Protest!’ we are bringing students together from Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales for a Centenary co-curricular weekend in Dublin. The Easter Rising in 1916 was a public event that shaped both Ireland and the Modern World. While armies collided on European battlefields, a small but determined band of Irish rebels assembled on the streets of Dublin to proclaim an independent Irish Republic. Now, a century later, we invite students to interrogate this ‘bloody protest for a glorious thing’ by participating in Arcadia’s Easter 1916 weekend. Students from Irish, Scottish and English programmes will tour Dublin battle sites, have an opportunity to visit Kilmainham Jail, view historical exhibitions, and attend a lecture on the role of women in the Easter Rising. Students will also take part in the ‘Waking the Nation’ programme by attending a play commissioned by the world famous Abbey Theatre. Includes round trip flight from London,  airport transfer in Dublin, 3 nights hostel stay, breakfast, one meal, guided tour

Please note this event leaves on a Thursday evening, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Oxford Day Trip

Themes: Tribes, Tradition & Innovation, Life & Death

Founded in the 9th century during the Saxon period, Oxford became home to the fledgling University of Oxford in the 12th century, becoming the oldest university in the UK. The University rose to dominate the town entirely, and by the middle of the 14th century the history of the town was effectively no more than a footnote to the history of the university. Oxford will surprise, inspire and enchant you with its magnificent architecture, impressive yet intimate colleges, romantic rivers, and hidden nooks and crannies. The whole place has a buzz and a vibrant atmosphere (also the location for several scenes in Harry Potter)

Stonehenge & Bath Day Trip

Themes: Sensory, Life & Death, Tribes

Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site, is composed of the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000BC and 1600BC. There has always been intense debate over quite what purpose Stonehenge served and you will get the chance to form your own opinion. A huge effort and great organisation was needed to carry the stones tens, and sometimes hundreds, of miles by land and water and then to shape and raise them. Stonehenge’s orientation in relation to the rising and setting sun has always been one of its most remarkable features.

Bath - Two thousand years ago, with most of the world at their feet, the Romans recognised the unique qualities of Bath and settled here. They chose well. Set in a sheltered valley, surrounded like Rome by seven wooded hills and nourished by Britain’s only natural hot springs, it is a natural haven. An exquisite Georgian city grew from Bath’s ancient roots epitomised by Jane Austen. The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are among the finest architectural treasures in the world. Indeed, the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Cycle Tour Afternoon

Themes: Sensory, Total Immersion , The Underground

Join a professional cycle touring company for a unique perspective on some iconic London sights such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Includes a stop for a drink (not included in the tour) so please bring money if you want a drink.

FREE TOURS - ARCADIA EXPLORES

Themes: Sensory, Pop Culture, The Underground

Led by Arcadia Faculty on three separate occasions throughout the Spring, you can join our faculty for a free exploration, walk or tour. The details, dates and times of these events will be announced during the semester.

Students based out of London who intend to travel independently may submit a request for reimbursement of their travel. This Must be requested at the time of purchase and no later than 1 Jan 2016.

Learn more about Co-Curricular themes & excursions in Great Britain.