Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Political Science, Siena College) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
During my time in London I was fortunate enough to call myself a resident one of the world's greatest cities. I recieved an excellent education, and even got to work in the legal field. I gained a great amount of insight on the professional legal field in London. However, the most important part of the trip for me was cultural immersion. I learned everything about London from its history to pop culture and everything in between. It is a place I was lucky enough to call home, and I look forward to going back.

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.

Classes were challenging and interesting. They allowed me to gain a better perspective on British culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The faculty and staff at CAPA London were extremely helpful and friendly. The professors were fair in their grading and very engaged during class.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was really nice and well equipped. I throughly enjoyed living in Camden Town. The only negative aspect I would address was that the bedroom was a little too small.

* Food:

I mostly cooked for myself, but when I would go out to eat around the city there was always something good to offer. London offered a variety of foods from all over the world. Two of my favorite spots for getting lunch were Camden Market and Borough Market. Both were also very cost effective.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt immersed in London's culture after taking courses on the city's history and culture. The activities planned by CAPA were also geared towards cultural immersion.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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 a very expensive city with many fun things to offer. I recommend saving as much money possible in order to fully enjoy the experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $6,000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for grocery store coupons and try to cook at home for a lot of meals. The price of eating out is very expensive. Also, plan any travel plans way ahead of time.

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?
  • Internship
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Paid internship options
  • Meal stipends
  • No cleaning services in the apartments.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive London actually was. I knew things would be pricey due to the exchange rate, but I underestimated it. I regret not saving up a little more money and being cost efficient.

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.