Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing-- literally. Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 09/04/2103 to 12/14/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was DEFINITELY worthwhile! I learned that I have a passion for people-- I may be shy at first, but I love people and culture!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CAPA was AWESOME! That's just all I can say!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had a housekeeper cleaning out flat every week, which was pretty awesome. The flat came fully furnished!

* Food:

There was no meal plan, but I was able to cook and make my own food. I found the more ethnic foods to be more appealing to me than the English foods. Although, I loved fish and chips and the full English breakfast!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CAPA made sure that some trips and excursions were planned into the course and duration of our stay. We were encouraged to explore on our own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I wasn't ill, but a few of my flatmates fell sick and had to go to the hospital (A and E). They were answered on time and things were taken care of. CAPA told us where to go, which was really helpful.

* Safety:

I found London to be safe, even though we were told to be aware of pick-pocketers. I didn't feel any more anxiety than I would have felt if I were in Boston or New York, for example. Plus, the policemen were usually around, checking in on things.

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)

1-- but I thought this was pretty typical; I wasn't struggling or anything.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250/wk.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy anything you don't need at the moment-- if you are like me, you might want to buy everything you need.

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?
  • It was student focused
  • The campus was close to a few convenient stores.
  • The trips, excursions, and academic events incorporated to the program.
* What could be improved?
  • Perhaps more exposure to local student.
  • Maybe the length of the classes be cut down a bit.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I could have taken classes at other colleges-- i don't think I fully understood that.

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!