Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Completely Worth It!! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., SUNY - Albany) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/21/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met people I would have never met before and experienced something some people only dream of. It was absolutely worthwhile and I couldn't have imagined doing it any differently.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved how they incorporated trips and plays into the curriculum. Yes it was time-consuming, but it made us use our time in a way that kept us immersed in the culture instead of just sitting around on computers doing papers or studying for hours.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was so friendly and inviting. They were ready to help with absolutely any problem or even just suggest places to go. Many are alumni of the program themselves.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The internet was a bit shoddy sometimes and there were a few problems with security in the neighborhood, but you'll find that anywhere you go. All-in-all it was interesting to live on my own in a new country and have to fend for myself.

* Food:

I love fish, so the fact that fish and chips could be found nearly anywhere was great in my book! And the cider can't be beat!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They really go above and beyond to give you as many opportunities as possible to roam and explore both the city and country as a whole.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally have a problem, but a friend of mine did and the program addressed his problem promptly and effectively. They even flew his father in to see him.

* Safety:

Some times felt safer than others and certain places were the same, but overall, I never felt threatened by my surroundings and would feel comfortable walking alone most of the time.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

CAPA provides accommodations for food and transportation in the form of a weekly grocery stipend and Oyster cards to travel locally for no cost for the entirety of the program.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't recall. It depended on where I was.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save ahead of time and if you are planning on traveling, get in touch with future roommates and plan trips early before prices go up.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The food
  • Travel opportunities
  • Cultural events
* What could be improved?
  • Length
  • Travel Fair could be earlier in the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know to plan ahead more and save up as much money as possible so that isn't a factor that stops you from making the most out of your trip.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.