A real working Londoner! Past Review
By Mary G (Public Relations and Marketing, SUNY - College at Oswego) - abroad from 09/05/2013 to 12/14/2013 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England
Since I worked 20 hours a week at my internship with The Walkabout Foundation and only took 3 courses, I felt that most of my experience revolved around my internship. I could not have been placed with a better organization. My placement was organized and a small and rapidly growing non profit organization that raises money for spinal cord injury research and distributes wheelchairs world-wide. This meant that I was totally involved in a lot of projects that other interns may not have been able to do in larger organizations. I had the chance to work with some amazing locals, and I really feel like I left a small but good impact on the city I loved and lived in for 3 months. As cliche as it sounds, I really gained a global perspective from interning abroad with CAPA. At my internship and in my courses, I found skills that I never even knew I had. I always thought that I was an okay writer, but I found that my writing is actually good, even in another country with a different vocabulary! I now feel confident and eager to pursue an international career after graduation. CAPA was the extra experience I needed to help guide me to where I want to be once I graduate college, and to help me discover the talents and skills that I possess.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found that overall, I learned a lot with CAPA. While the courses required less homework and out of class reading, my professors took us on field trips and did other in-class activities that tied the course to our time in London. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CAPA was organized and the staff was super helpful whenever you had a question or problem. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Hawley Crescent which is located in Camden Town. Camden was a great location because there was so much to do for students; the markets, great and safe nightlife, and inexpensive places to eat and shop. Our apartment was also clean and had everything we needed. |
| * Food: |
CAPA used to provide a meal stipend of 40 pounds each week. Unfortunately they ended that the semester before I did the program. Since groceries are one of the most expensive parts of studying abroad, it would have been nice to have a stipend I could rely on. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CAPA has what they call "myEducation" events that are usually free to students. They are activities led by CAPA staff. Some of the cool things they do are a walking tours (such as Southbank, Primrose Hill or Abbey Road), Museum tours (that would usually cost a fee), and other cultural activities such as tickets to the Tower of London, to see a rugby or football game. These events, along with participating in the London work-force made me truly feel like a Londoner. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not personally have any experience with the UK healthcare system, but my roommate was sick a few times and I know that she waited a long time to be seen and had some trouble finding locations that we open during times after class and work. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe where I lived and worked. Although things like pick pocketing and having strangers approach you do happen in a big city, CAPA really prepares you on how to deal with situations like that. I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
There are always student discounts and cheaper options for things you want to do, you just have to look for them. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40-60 pounds per week |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish that I did it sooner! Going as a Senior was sometimes stressful knowing that I will be going back to school with only one semester to complete everything I need to do before graduation. I also wish that I did a little more research on London before I left. I did read about it, but I guess I did not realize it's size! Having concrete ideas of what I wanted to see or do would have helped guide what I accomplished while I was there. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
