In recognition of the diversity of curricular needs of today's students when studying abroad, Arcadia Abroad continues to develop its centers and center-based programming around the world. The College currently operates physical centers in Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. In addition, we have virtual centers that operate without bricks and mortar, but fulfill the local curricular and pedagogical needs in Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Arcadia centers provide teaching and learning spaces with classrooms, resource libraries and administrative offices. They also act as a hub for student activity and community engagement facilitating and encouraging rich interactions that extend beyond the formal learning environment.
Through our centers, The College is able to offer innovative and creative programming, in some locations complementing the curricular strengths present at partner institutions, and in other instances providing a full curriculum in a locale that might otherwise prove challenging for students to access. Our centers provide opportunities to develop specialized curricula such as first year programming (London), STEM laboratory and research opportunities (London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Granada, and Ireland), and ethnographic and field research (London). Our centers emphasize experiential programs and the critical connection between coursework and the out-of-classroom experience. In most of our centers we are able to offer internship programs.
They also serve as a hub for co-curricular and community events. Our Edinburgh center often hosts a faculty lecture series attended by academics from greater Edinburgh.
Critical to the Arcadia ethos manifested in all of our global centers is the effort to maintain a sustainable and responsible community presence.
Our faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to patronize the local retailers and markets surrounding the center, supporting independent businesses where possible. Where possible curricular and co-curricular programming is weighted towards the local community, enabling students to further engage with local citizens.
The emphasis on integrity, full compliance with local law, and appropriate legal structures is not apparent or obvious to the external audience and sometimes incurs costs not incurred by competing programs. Nevertheless, The College believes it is critical to long-term sustainability and is good risk management practice.