https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/ en-us BigTree CMS (http://www.bigtreecms.org/) Summer 2026 Wellbeing Events!  

Written By: Jaeden Joyner (Senior Student Life Officer - Health and Wellbeing) 

Paid Event 

Wanstead Community Riding Stables 

Friday, June 19th 

Join us on a visit to Wanstead Community Riding Stables, a riding school located in the middle of lovely Wanstead Park. First, we will start with a scenic walk through Wanstead Park, before arriving at the stables. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to groom and prepare the horses, learn about their behaviour and their daily routines, and enjoy a guided riding session in a safe, supportive environment. 

Along the way, you’ll discover how spending time with animals and nature can calm the mind, and lift your mood - all while having fun and trying something new. No previous experience with horses is necessary, and all activities will be led by experienced staff who will guide you along the way. 

Price: £10 - We will also be offering one free spot to a student who agrees to do an Instagram takeover before June 18th, with a general theme in…

]]> https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/summer-2026-wellbeing-events/ Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT Fall 2026 Events for The University of Melbourne (MELBOURNE)

Melbourne is all about culture, coffee, and creativity - and this semester’s adventures highlight the best of it all. Whether you’re soaking in the hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula or exploring nature outside the city, these experiences are all about balance and fun.

WELCOME MEAL

Start your semester off right with a relaxed group dinner hosted by Arcadia staff. Meet your fellow students, get a taste of Australian cuisine, and start planning those weekend getaways!

COFFEE CATCH UP 

Grab a coffee on campus with Arcadia staff and your fellow students. These relaxed catch-ups are great for checking in, swapping travel tips, and enjoying a break between classes.

FREE WEEKEND TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Join the Arcadia crew for a weekend escape to the stunning Mornington Peninsula. We’ll go hiking, tackle an exciting tree surfing adventure featuring 50 aerial obstacles across 5 unique levels which includes bridges, a rock climbing wall, Tarzan swings, and ziplines - visit…

]]> https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/fall-2026-events-for-the-university-of-melbourne/ henryd@arcadia.edu Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT Fall 2026 Events for New South Wales University of Technology Sydney; Macquarie University; The University of Sydney; University of New South Wales; University of Wollongong

(SYDNEY | WOLLONGONG)

Ready for Fall 2026? So are we! Whether you're keen to explore the city or get amongst the natural beauty of Australia, we have a bunch of events lined up for you to experience the best of both worlds. These events are the perfect way to explore Australia, our culture, and connect with new friends.

 

WELCOME MEAL

We’re sliding on into the semester with a classic Aussie feed. The food is on us, we just want to hear how you’re settling in, your first impressions of Australia, and what upcoming adventures you have on your bucket list!

CITY CATCH UP

Take a break and bring your game face for social Pickleball! This is a great way to unwind from all that study and swap travel tips while you skillfully (or less so) dart about the Pickleball court. 

Whether you're a stickler for the rules or just happy the paddle has made contact…

]]> https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/fall-2026-events-for-new-south-wales/ stocktons@arcadia.edu Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT Fall 2026 Events for Queensland Bond University, Griffith University, QUT, James Cook University & University of Queensland

(Brisbane | Gold Coast | Townsville)

Fall 2026 is shaping up to be unforgettable! Whether you’re based in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Townsville, there’s an incredible lineup of activities designed to help you explore Australia, connect with new friends, and make the most of your semester abroad.

WELCOME MEAL

Kick off the semester with a delicious group dinner hosted by Arcadia staff. It’s the perfect chance to meet other students, share your first impressions of Australia, and get a taste of local cuisine.

COFFEE CATCH UP 

Grab a coffee on campus with Arcadia staff and your fellow students. These relaxed catch-ups are great for checking in, swapping travel tips, and enjoying a break between classes. 

Weekend Adventure to Noosa (QUT,UQ,BOND, GRIFFITH, JCU)


Noosa Heads - one of Queensland’s most stunning coastal destinations - awaits! Spend a weekend exploring golden beaches, lush national park…

]]> https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/fall-2026-events-for-queensland/ henryd@arcadia.edu Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT Connect with Your Kiwi Community: New Zealand Fall 2026 Excursions Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand! As you get excited to come across the Pacific Ocean for your semester abroad, we are thrilled to share more about the Arcadia Abroad New Zealand Fall 2026 Excursions. Our activities and excursions are designed to help students build a strong local community, dive deep into Māori and Kiwi culture, and explore the stunning landscapes of the North and South Islands.

Best of all, these events are included in your program fee (excluding some local transport costs like bus fares) so are no additional cost to you!

Here is a glimpse of what is waiting for you this Fall 2026 semester:

 

Building Community from Day One

The journey starts with connecting with your fellow students and the local community:

Volunteer Coffee Catch Ups: Across all our locations—Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin—we start the semester by meeting for the famous NZ flat white coffee. It’s a chance to catch up after your first few days and learn how to get involved in local…

]]> https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/connect-with-your-kiwi-community-new-zealand-fall-2026-excursions/ bellm01@arcadia.edu Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT Sports Events in Sydney!
  • King’s Basketball Game 

    This was the first sporting event I attended for my semester abroad. We were given pink wigs to wear in support of breast cancer awareness, specifically to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation in honor of the late Australian basketball player Tiana Mangakahia. Before the game began, my friends and I took a picture together in our pink wigs. Wearing the wig made me feel more connected to the event's larger purpose, beyond just watching the game. It reflected how sports communities can come together to support meaningful causes and raise awareness in a fun, but impactful way.
  • NSW Waratahs Rugby Match

    This was the first rugby match I had ever attended, and the atmosphere was incredibly energetic. The music, fire effects, clips of players on the big screen, and chants from the crowd made the experience both exciting and memorable. It was fascinating to watch the Waratahs use their physical dominance, smart tactical decisions, and home-field advantage to secure the…
    • ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/sports-events-in-sydney/ mendezj@arcadia.edu Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Between the Gap: London and Me I think I keep coming back to one specific question: what will you actually remember about London?

    The first time my mom asked me, I was sure it would be something big, like Big Ben or Camden Town, or something worth taking a picture of and showing off later. That’s what I expected either way. But the more I thought about it, none of these things came to mind first. Instead, it was three little words: “Mind the gap.”

    On the tube, I heard it without thinking at first. To me, it was just another background sound in the London Underground, repeated at every platform, every stop. It was an automatic sign: step on or off the train, hear the words, move on. Those three little words followed me into different parts of the city, staying the same, unlike my routines. But now that announcement feels louder than anything else. Which leaves me once again asking myself, why? Out of everything I’ve seen, every location I've been to, all the streets I've walked, why is it that this announcement comes…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/between-the-gap-london-and-me/ mendezj@arcadia.edu Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     The Haunting Heart of Perugia Perugia won’t tell you about its ghosts. You can’t hear them over the lively chatter from a  café. Instead, this ancient city wears its hauntings on every building, street sign, and  ground stone. To visit Perugia is to walk through layers of time, where the line keeping past  and present separate is thrillingly thin. Although the city is built on a hill, its foundation isn’t  made up of rock, but the city’s history itself. The Etruscan Arch still stands guard. As you  pass under its dark, slanted stones, you walk the same path as a civilization shrouded in  history. The modern world vanishes. The air feels cold and damp, with the scent of wet  earth and ancient stone. The sheer weight of the place is enough to make you feel the  desperation it took to carve this lifeline into the mountain. It was a feeling I had never experienced before.

    Eventually, you leave, taking the escalators back up to the modern  world. But you still feel slightly out of place. You will still catch yourself listening…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/the-haunting-heart-of-perugia/ mendezj@arcadia.edu Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Don't Be Afraid to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone I remember the day I arrived in London was one of the scariest days of my life. I couldn’t help but think to myself, how am I gonna survive 4 months in a city I have little to no knowledge about? Not only was it my first time traveling outside of the country, but it was my first time being alone away from my family. Suddenly, everything was way out of my comfort zone.

    If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s that being uncomfortable is where real growth begins. At first, even the simplest things felt overwhelming. Figuring out the tube and bus to get around, reading unfamiliar signs, or just being able to get from place to place without second-guessing myself. I was scared. Now I can go to any station or bus stop confidently, tap in, get on, move across the city, and tap out. As if second nature. I was uncomfortable walking around the city alone, thinking I would get awkward stares or look out of place. But now I can take solo strolls to Camden or wander farther out to…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/don-t-be-afraid-to-step-out-of-your-comfort-zone/ mendezj@arcadia.edu Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Best Places to Visit During Your Time Abroad at the University of Edinburgh One of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad in Edinburgh was how much the city itself became part of my learning experience. Edinburgh offers the perfect balance of history, nature, and everyday student life, making it easy to explore while still feeling grounded. Whether you’re looking for iconic landmarks or cozy spots to unwind, these are the places that truly shaped my experience abroad and are absolutely worth the hype. 

    Arthur’s Seat is one of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh and something every study abroad student should experience at least once. My friends and I planned to go on the first day of class at 5am but I overslept… another friend and I went later that week. No matter which path you choose, the hike is so rewarding. Along the way, you’ll see views that slowly open up to the city below. At the top, you get a gorgeous view of Edinburgh, the coastline, and the surrounding landscape. It is hands down the best view in the city. It’s perfect for sunrise, sunset…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/best-places-to-visit-during-your-time-abroad-at-the-university-of-edinburgh/ arcadiaglenside@gmail.com Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Summer 2026 Excursions! Our summer 2026 excursions are here, and we’re excited to have you join in on the fun! We have a variety of events to be sure there’s something for all of our students to enjoy that showcase the best of London and beyond. Throughout this blog you’ll read about all of our paid events, and get a highlight of a few free events we’ll be offering. In addition to the below, we will be releasing a few free mental health events closer to the start of the summer semester.

    Registrations for these events go live on April 30 so have a look below and see what adventures you most want to be a part of this summer!

    Paid Events

    Cambridge Day Trip

    Saturday, June 13, 2026

    Take a journey to the scholarly old English town of Cambridge on this exciting day trip. After a quick train journey from London you'll head straight to a canal for a traditional punting experience. You can admire the buzzing city from the calmness of the water, while taking as many photos of the medieval buildings and floating swans…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/summer-2026-excursions/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     What Andy Bernard Said… I’ve been home for a month and here are my largest take aways:

    Yes, I have changed! For the better. And so have the people around me! It takes both parties to recognize things aren’t going to go back to exactly how they were before you left for abroad. I had a conversation with a friend after I got home, and the first thing she said to me was “I am so excited to get to know the new Paige” which is not something I ever thought of. I have picked up new mannerisms and fun slang, all of which is a peaceful reminder of the lovely months abroad I had. With that, it is good to recognize the people around me also may have picked up new mannerisms, or do stuff differently. I have taken it all with an open mind, and am enjoying who I have become and who the people around me are!

    The value of studying abroad at home is not just about having credits transferring back home. The value is also appreciating the experiences you have, and bringing that attitude home. In my four and a half months abroad…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/what-andy-bernard-said/ mendezj@arcadia.edu Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Summer 2026 Excursions

    Get ready, make the most of your summer in Italy!

    We've created a diverse program of excursions designed to help you experience Italy beyond the classroom, through its culture, traditions, landscapes, and everyday life. Each experience is an opportunity to try something new, explore different sides of Italy, and step into environments that range from vibrant city life to quieter, more local settings. 

    More than just trips, these excursions are about connection. They're a chance to meet other students, share experiences, and build a sense of community throughout your time here. Whether you join one or many, we encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities to explore, connect, and create lasting memories.

    Below is a first look at what's waiting for you this summer. Stay tuned, as event registrations will be opening soon in your Arcadia Portal!

    The best of Rome in a day

    Sunday 7 JUNE & Friday 17 July

    This experience offers a full-day journey through Rome, blending its…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/summer-2026-excursions-2/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Summer 2026 Granada Activities and Events Are you ready for an exciting summer in Granada?  If you are joining us for our summer programs, you will be excited to read about all of the co-curricular activities we are planning for you for this summer!

    All these events are carefully planned to help you get the most out of your time in Spain, ensuring a diverse set of options for everyone to enjoy and getting immersed in the local culture.  Do you like the beach?  Cooking, hiking, historical tours, flamenco, art? We have it all! Keep reading for a sneak peak of what’s coming up!

    All the activities offered below are included in your program fee, with no extra cost.

    Please register in Portal to confirm your participation; you will be asked to confirm your registration once in Spain

    CITY TOUR AND WELCOME MEAL

    As soon as you arrive in Granada, we want you to meet the rest of the group and discover the well-known Tapas gastronomy. In the first few days, we will do brief tours of the city center and will have a Spanish-style meal…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/summer-2026-granada-activities-and-events/ cabreram@arcadia.edu Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT     Stage Dooring in London There were many reasons why studying abroad in London sounded appealing to me, but the one that reigned supreme was the accessibility to theatre and the arts. I knew my time in London would throw me deeper into the world of theatre than I had been when I arrived. I used to be a very identifiable theatre kid, but over time I had lost touch with my roots. After seeing Wicked at the Apollo Theatre with my fellow Arcadia students during our first week in London, the flame that had left my soul was reignited.

    With the exception of Les Mis and Wicked, every show I saw in London was my first time watching that play or musical. One thing I was especially excited about was the chance to “stage door,” or meet actors outside the theatre after a performance. My first attempt at stage dooring in middle school had been a failure, since none of the actors came out after the show. Determined to finally have that experience, I planned to stay after my Theatre class attended The Importance of Being Earnest…

    ]]>     https://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/blogs/student-bloggers/post/stage-dooring-in-london/ arcadiaglenside@gmail.com Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT