Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm Just Mad I Had to Come Home Past Review

By (Philosophy., Rollins College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/12/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It sounds cheesy, but this experience truly helped me develop as both a person and a student in ways I couldn't have predicted. I would not give it up for anything.

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.

As with any program, the professors vary. There wasn't any professor I had that was categorically "bad" though. And a couple of my professors were the best I've ever had!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CAPA staff is OUTSTANDING. They go above and beyond to help. Legitimately became friends with them, and I miss them!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a perfect little flat in London, right in the middle of everything. My dorm back at school seems awful by comparison! My flatmates were great too.

* Food:

The British stereotype of food is silly. We had fun cooking, exploring new restaurants, and sampling cultural foods while we traveled.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was a great program to use to really immerse yourself in a different culture. The internship aspect helps a lot with this; you're not an outsider, you're really working within the community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any issues, but everyone I know who had any medical or health issues while abroad were given the best assistance and care possible.

* Safety:

Be aware, just like you would be at home, but the city as a whole is brilliantly safe. I feel more uneasy walking across campus sometimes late at night than I did in London.

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)

London is an expensive city; be aware of that going in. But it's doable; MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT.

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?
  • Living accommodations
  • The city
  • new friends!
* What could be improved?
  • weekly stipend
  • timing of events so as not to conflict with classes
  • more philosophy courses!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to be homesick, but don't waste your time being homesick! You'll spend the rest of your life at home; embrace every opportunity you have while 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 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!