Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Theatre Performance, Rider University) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 04/20/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from my experience abroad that it is hard to pin point on specific moment. Something I would like to touch on would be finding out about the differences in theatre there versus theatre in the United States. I found myself much more at peace with the arts in London then I have ever felt in the United States. It was amazing to see the differences and understand how they are perceived by the people of their societies. I loved learning about this and definitely will carry it through my own career within the arts. This experience was completely worthwhile and I just wish that everyone would be able to have a chance to study abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CAPA International Education has everything you would ever want in a study abroad program. I stand by them 100%!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was a standard application process, it had deadlines and requirements but the CAPA staff were always quick to answer any questions during my process, they really helped a lot and made it easier.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were absolutely phenomenal. CAPA placed the students in different areas of the city so we had the chance to truly develop our lives in a brand new city, the flats were classic and tidy. I loved where I lived (in Maida Vale) and I really do miss my flat and roommates!

* Food:

Food was left up to us because we had kitchens so it really was up to us on how good it was going to be!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like especially with the internship program I got integrated into the local culture just fine. Also with the different myCAPA events and the different cultural activities set up for us there were many opportunities to have ourselves immersed into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spent around 80 pounds per week on food and extras. It was within my budget, planning a budget was the key in making sure you were able to accomplish all the things you were intending to do while abroad.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and stick to it! Also, take advantage of the free things going on at CAPA and within whatever city you're studying in. They are always opportunities.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship
  • City Living
  • Access to so much history
* What could be improved?
  • Class curriculum
  • Absence policy
  • Larger computer lounge/study space
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known about how bad the exchange rate was! I still was alright with money but I would have spent more time saving up some money!

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.