Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Ultimate Study Abroad Experience Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Arizona State University) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much independence and a broader worldview from studying abroad. I learned how to live with others and ended up learning a lot about myself and what I want to do after graduation. It was completely worthwhile and I would do it again if given the chance.

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 the staff and the British professors CAPA brought in to teach us from other universities. The workload was not very challenging but with the internship, it was the right amount for a study abroad program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was so friendly and helpful. They put together multiple activities for the students to participate in and were always there if you had a question or concern.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was safe and well-maintained. Maintenance was in every day to fix things and check in on how things were running and someone came to clean our flats once a week. I was really pleased with the location of my building which was about 10 minutes from the CAPA center though some students in the program were in different neighborhoods.

* Food:

CAPA didn't provide food for us. I lived in an apartment so I did my own grocery shopping and cooking every week. Homestays do provide breakfast and dinner, though. British food is pretty heavy but awesome. I tried to cook as much on my own as I could because London is pretty expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program is for Americans abroad so my classes and living arrangements were all with Americans. However, I interned for a British magazine and got to experience the British workplace which I loved. CAPA London also provides access to a local university's student union so students can hang out with locals their age and even join clubs or teams. I wish I had taken advantage of it more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The local healthcare system was pretty cheap, just long waiting room times. Other than that, health care is pretty accessible. The CAPA staff was really great about answering questions and giving information.

* Safety:

I always felt really safe in my neighborhood but I would avoid going anywhere alone at night.

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)

London is a very expensive city, especially when you factor in the exchange rate. I ended up spending much more on food and entertainment than I thought I would. If you budget well and try to eat at home as much as possible, you should be fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop and eat at home. Save up for the things you really want to do.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The supportive staff
  • The planned program activities
  • Apartment housing
* What could be improved?
  • The LTI class
  • The pre-departure information
  • Access to locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had budgeted more effectively before I left so I could enjoy my time abroad a little more. I also wish I would have been a little more open minded before I left.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!