Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CAPA: Great for Interning and Experience Past Review

By (Theatre - Performance, Rider University) - abroad from 01/15/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely gained a newfound independence, and I found a major city that I feel extremely comfortable and confident in.

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Theatre classes were entry level, which became frustrating. That said, the instructors were both engaging and interesting, and definitely held my attention.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The London staff was extremely helpful with nearly every problem I had, including two days of tube strikes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Accommodations were small (7 guys in 3 rooms) and some appliances did not work at all, but were centrally located which made travel extremely easy.

* Food:

Food in London is extremely expensive, but having the freedom of not having any sort of meal plan was a huge plus for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The first days of the program focused solely on becoming accustomed to the city and the culture, and I felt more than prepared to go out and socialize with other Londoners.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I felt completely and utterly safe within London, more so than I have in any city in the US. I rarely, if ever, found myself feeling in danger at any point during my time 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 extremely expensive. Period. There is no way around this, but you learn to deal with it.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to go out as much as I did, and try to shop at full-size grocery stores, not just "Local" or "Express" as the prices there are generally higher than at a full size store.

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 wide access to the city
  • The included experience (i.e. trips to theatres and museums)
  • Other students in the program
* What could be improved?
  • More communication prior to departure
  • Better tips on finances
  • More comprehensive classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how to navigate and live in a major metropolitan city.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.