Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study in London!! Past Review

By (Marketing., University of Delaware) - abroad from 01/14/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am a very independent person, and that I really want to experience the world. I loved London and the rest of the UK, and traveling is a very important experience in someone's life in order to get more cultured, meet new people, and live abroad.

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.

The classes were definitely rigorous, and if you think they are going to be the easiest classes ever just because your abroad, think again. I worked hard to get good grades, but the classes were interesting and interactive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in West Kensington, and the flats were tiny, as expected. The wifi was something every student living in these buildings had a problem with. The buildings and wiring is so old that if everyone tries to connect at the same time, then no one can get on. The beds were also extremely uncomfortable and we talked to somebody at CAPA about it. Besides that, the flats were nice sized rooms, the kitchen was easy to use, and we had a nice common area that we hung out in a lot.

* Food:

There are so many different cuisines in London that people have to be lying when they say that London food is bad. Try any of the markets, fresh produce, and different cuisines and I guarantee the food is delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Having British professors and being able to be in partner with a british university, Imperial College, was helpful because we got to interact with British students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor while I was in London for an ear infection. The doctor was in an accessible location, CAPA helped me locate the doctor and told me what I would have to do to be refunded by my insurance, and they took care of my problem. It couldn't have been easier.

* Safety:

London is a pretty safe city; if you are out at a pub or a club and have a bag and it is open, expect somebody to take something out of it. Just be smart and don't leave your purse open or don't leave anything sitting out in plain site that somebody can take it.

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? London grocery stores have some great meal deal plans and while at CAPA I suggest taking advantage of them because London does get very expensive.

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 classes count toward my major.
  • The staff is friendly and helpful.
* What could be improved?
  • Wifi in the flats and school
  • length of classes
  • no friday classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do NOT take a lot of stuff. I love clothes as much as the next girl, but you are going to want to leave room in your suitcase for shopping abroad and souvenirs. Also, the flats are not huge and the closets are tiny and you have to share them with your flatmate.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.