Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Endless Sightseeing and Wonderful Friendships Past Review

By (Public Relations and Advertising, DePaul University) - abroad from 09/19/2015 to 12/19/2015 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 can live on my own in a foreign country without needing help from my parents which was huge. I also learned more about different countries and areas throughout Europe and how people of different cultures view life, Americans, etc.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Usually felt fairly safe-- was shaken up a bit after there was a bomb threat on Baker Street just outside Marylebone Hall less than a week after the attacks in Paris

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program was incredibly expensive and the on site CEA coordinators weren't always top notch at communicating about program and event dates, deadlines, class registration etc. However, I met some amazing friends during my time in London, I absolutely loved how much exploring I got to do, and I certainly walked away from the experience feeling more independent and confident in my own abilities.

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? about 100 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a pot and pan right away and try to cook weeknight meals in your flat. At first, I was hesitant to buy cookware because I didn't want to spend the money. However, eating out was much more expensive. Also, don't waste a lot of money on beauty or styling products such as blow dryers, hair straighteners, etc. You're going to be out and about a good chunk of the time and I found that I spent far less time on getting ready than I do back home. If you're doing the Fall program, don't bring any shorts, capris, sandals, or warm weather clothing. You will most likely be in jeans from day one and don't want to waste closet space on clothes you won't wear. Jeans and layers are what I wore most. Bring one rain coat and one warmer coat, and pack things that can have multiple purposes. Also when they ask you at the register if you want to pay in pounds or dollars, choose pounds-- it's cheaper in the end. Also take money out of the ATM in larger chunks to avoid frequent service/abroad fees and avoid using debit/credit cards as much as possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Meeting awesome new people
  • Sightseeing
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Better excursion/event communication
  • Less expensive program fee
  • Include student tube pass
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The three months goes by super fast so use every opportunity possible to go out and explore.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.