Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

That really happened? Past Review

By (Theatre Performance, Rider University) - abroad from 01/09/2013 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 that you need to trust people. I had so many experiences that I know friends or family may have deemed as unsafe because they involved trusting strangers. People are good, and good people do good to good people. Don't be afraid of what MIGHT happen, because then nothing ever will happen. Be brave, but be smart. There is so much to see and learn from the world, there is so much out there.

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes were not overly challenging, however this was preferable considering what I was trying to do while abroad. The courses were appropriate and worth while, and still allowed me enough free time to do my internship to its fullest and experience my host city and the rest of Europe. Too much of a work load would have taken too much time away from experiencing a foreign land, which is the entire point of study abroad. I still feel that I learned very useful information and am very happy with my course selection.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was so willing to help with any issues we had. They went out of their way to do everything they can to integrate us and to learn the ways of travel, school in a foreign country, and life abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flat was a bit small, but the location was AMAZING. I loved it.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I only had a slight worry of being pick-pocketed, but aside from that I felt totally safe at all times.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

I budgeted extremely well while abroad. That being said, I did make a lot of sacrifices. I spent many hours researching to get the best deals on anything I did. I also hardly ever went out to dinner while I was not on a special outing. I also traveled a great deal, so this was necessary, but I do not feel that I missed out on anything.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $2,500- and I traveled nearly every other weekend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you know you want to go abroad, START SAVING NOW; I know too many people who came to London with only about $500 of spending money and it was always a stressor to them anytime they went out. Always do research when traveling, and try not to eat out when not completely necessary.

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 freedom
  • The traveling
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to have more interaction with local students as opposed to only Americans.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I wanted to be more immersed in a foreign language, because that may have swayed my decision to go to London. One of my favorite things was going to Spain and being forced to use my Spanish, it was so cool.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.