Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study abroad in London was an unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., University of Delaware) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was an absolutely worthwhile experience. Cultural immersion, time management, and personal independence were just a few things I learned during my time abroad. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and it was without a doubt the best semester of my life.

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.

Classes were informative, professors were interesting and engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experiences derived from various field trips and projects throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was fantastic, always eager to help and provide support for the students. I was very impressed with how organized and enthusiastic everyone was for the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While the flat was spacious and clean, and our landlord was extremely helpful, the housing was quite far from the school and the neighborhood was not ideal for students studying abroad. There was little to do in the immediate area and it did not feel like living in London.

* Food:

I enjoyed the food in London. Since it is such an international city, you can find almost any type of food you want.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although the school had primarily American students, I still felt quite integrated with the British culture. There were ample opportunities for new cultural experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no need to use the healthcare system, yet CAPA made the system quite easy to understand.

* Safety:

We were well-informed about how to stay safe in London, and I can honestly say I never felt unsafe during my time there.

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)

It was definitely a challenge to budget appropriately for the semester, but I feel that this is a vital skill to learn.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $150/week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a budget within the first week you arrive. Once you see firsthand how much things cost, it will be easier to limit yourself throughout the rest of the semester.

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 amount of optional cultural activities available for students
  • The classes were interesting
  • The administration was very helpful
* What could be improved?
  • Housing needs to be closer to central London
  • A food stipend would be helpful and make it easier to budget
  • More interaction with British students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the housing location much sooner that 2 weeks prior to departure. Since other students in the program lived in closer and more exciting neighborhoods, it was definitely something that should be improved.