Sports Events in Sydney!

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Between the Gap: London and Me

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

The Haunting Heart of Perugia

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Don't Be Afraid to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Best Places to Visit During Your Time Abroad at the University of Edinburgh

arcadiaglenside@gmail.com — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Summer 2026 Excursions!

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

What Andy Bernard Said…

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Summer 2026 Excursions

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Summer 2026 Granada Activities and Events

cabreram@arcadia.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Stage Dooring in London

arcadiaglenside@gmail.com — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

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…

Meet Me at the Bookshop: A Visit to Past Shelves, Histories of Queer Reading Exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh

sutcliffec@arcadia.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

Have you ever stepped into a bookshop and felt immediately at home? Or sat in the quiet of a story-lined library and felt your spine soften, tension releasing as the stories of others reach out to cradle you? If this even remotely resonates, I’d suggest a visit to the Past Shelves exhibition.

Books, stories, they’re an intrinsic part of humanity, of our history and our communities. They record, inspire, soothe and explain. It is this lens that Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive applies in their exhibition. Past Shelves is a love-letter, or perhaps a whole romance novel, to the transformative power of LGBTQ+ books, reading and the communities it brings together.

Hosted in the higgldy-pigldy, 16th century building that houses the Museum of Edinburgh, you immediately feel ensconced in a story. The exhibition spans three rooms of the museum, the foyer, the Huntly Room upstairs and the Costume Gallery. All are woven through the permanent displays, enfolding the queer history of Edinburgh…

5 Things I Wish I Knew Going into Arcadia Orientation In Sydney, Australia

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

You’ve just touched down at the Sydney Airport after a grueling flight of stiff legs and a sore back. The time has finally come for the best semester of your life. But first things first; you have to go through Arcadia orientation. Here are 5 things that I wish I knew going into orientation:

WhatsApp is your best friend
Prior to your arrival in Australia, the primary means of communication is through WhatsApp. Sure, your Arcadia points of contact preach exactly that, but let me tell you as a student who has gone through it that I 100% agree. Through WhatsApp, Arcadia team members will give you information about where to meet at the airport, and it will continue to serve as everyone’s way of communication throughout orientation.
Orientation is straight from the airport
There is no break from landing to orientation. Essentially, you wait in the airport meeting location until everyone arrives, so be prepared to wait for several hours, depending on when your flight arrives. Once everyone…

Explore Ireland with our Summer 2026 Excursions!

duncana@arcadia.edu — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

The excursions at Arcadia Ireland are all about community – connecting you with the Arcadia network of students studying across Ireland, while also introducing you to the many facets of community life on the island. Urban and rural; ancient and modern; communities formed around music, the arts, and shared identities – this semester’s excursions aim to broaden your horizons and help you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of a community in Ireland. Keep in mind we will also have other events happening along the way – welcome and farewell events, Pride Month celebrations, movie nights, and other pop-up events with Arcadia staff and students!

We have an exciting range of events planned for you, and we hope you’re just as enthusiastic as we are! Please note that each event has a registration deadline and a designated start location, and it is each student’s responsibility to make their own way there.

Please scroll down!

Saturday 6th June

Belfast and Beyond Day…

Adjusting and Making the Most of Your Time Abroad

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

I knew when I started college that studying abroad was something I wanted to take advantage of. When it came time to plan and prepare, I found myself more nervous than excited.

I knew that exploring another country for the first time was more important than how scared I was to leave my friends and family for so long, so I followed through with my application and finally made it to Edinburgh!

The first 72 hours were rough. After a full 24 hours of travel, I spent the next 14 hours awake and making my way through Arcadia's orientation. I was nervous, tired, and struggling to keep up as I made my way to different buildings and navigated the city. I missed home much sooner than I anticipated.

I had made it up three flights of stairs with 60 pounds of luggage and unpacked. The first few days were spent exploring with new friends, eating good food, and splurging on souvenirs (which I cherish sooo much). After a few weeks, however, classes started, and I had fewer distractions to keep me from…

A Winter Weekend in Italy

mendezj@arcadia.edu — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EDT

When I first pictured studying abroad in Italy, I envisioned warm weather, relaxing on gorgeous beaches, and spending weekends exploring the sun-drenched countryside. While I knew this would not be true for all of my time abroad, I did not consider just how magical winter in Italy would be. The streets of Perugia were strung with dazzling lights that glittered. The fog gave the city a mysterious, whimsical feeling while holiday music played throughout the main piazza. Christmas markets sprung up in Perugia and the nearby towns. On one of our final weeks in Perugia, my friends and I decided to make the most of the weather with a perfect winter weekend.

On Thursday after finishing classes for the week, I headed home to my apartment to bake sugar cookies for my roommates. I listened to Christmas music in our cozy kitchen while the house filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies. After munching on some cookies, we met up with a few other friends in the city center of Perugia and headed…