Arcadia University attempts to make your travel overseas as easy and affordable as possible. All students are responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights. All students are required to be in attendance for the entirety of their Arcadia orientation, which begins on the posted program arrival date.
If you do not have a passport, you must apply for one immediately. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the end of your program, otherwise you will need to renew your passport.
All U.S. citizens will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. This is not a visa, but it is required for all citizens of visa-waiver countries (including the US). It will take under 20 minutes to complete and can be done via an app on your phone. The processing time is typically 3 business days, and the cost is approximately $20 USD. You will receive a prompt and detailed instructions on how to complete this process approximately one month before departure.
Students who have a passport from a country outside of the US may need to apply for a Visitor Visa in advance of departure. Arcadia Abroad will be in touch with you directly if this is the case (you can also connect with your Program Advisor). Arcadia will provide you with some required documents; do not start applying for your visa until you receive instructions from us to do so.
Students entering the UK under an ETA are permitted to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You are able to arrive early to the U.K. and/or stay in the U.K. after your program concludes as long as your total time in the U.K. does not exceed 6 months.
Students entering the UK under a Visitor Visa must comply with the validity dates of the visa they are granted.
If you choose to arrive early, all transportation and accommodation arrangements will be your responsibility until the scheduled arrival date for your program. Similarly, accommodation costs will be your responsibility should you choose to stay in England after the program concludes.