The Most Enriching, Educational, and Fun Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes weren’t incredibly rigorous, but I learned more than I had in most of my classes at home. It was a healthy amount of work to balance with interning, traveling, and enjoying a social life. Both of my professors were not only funny and entertaining, but incredibly engaging and clearly passionate about their subject area. Classes are 3 ½ hours long (once a week), but my professors gave us breaks. We went on field trips around the city for each of my classes, including a blue badge tour of the financial district and the Houses of Parliament (for free!). These trips brought me to parts of the city that I otherwise wouldn’t have visited, and also to parts that I frequented (Camden Town, Financial District) and taught me about the history and social climate that shaped them.

On-site administration of your program

The onsite staff is incredible. Everyone is friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to communicate with. One of the highlights of my experience!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was phenomenal. I was one of the lucky flats that had a dishwasher. The apartment was in great location (still central but out of the city chaos), my roommates became my best friends, and I felt like I was living like a true Londoner.

Living in an apartment, I mostly cooked for myself. But English food is so much better than people say it is!! I went to Brick Lane for a Curry Night which was delicious, and the food from Camden, Borough, and Greenwich Markets is some of the best food I’ve eaten.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going into the program I was nervous that I wasn’t going to feel connected to the culture because I wasn’t taking classes with English students, but that ended up not being the case! At my internship I worked alongside Brits and Europeans, which helped with the cultural integration. Even something as simple as having to commute like a true Londoner made me feel connected to the culture of the city. Additionally we had memberships to Imperial College London’s students union, so we could join clubs and go to the student bar. CAPA also runs a lot of weekend events around the city and cultural-related events in the center, so there are plenty of opportunities to connect with London and English culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn’t have any health issues, but if any do arise you are covered under insurance and CAPA staff can help you find a doctor.

I always felt safe in London. I left my flat alone at 5am one day to go to Belgium and felt perfectly fine walking and taking the busses by myself. I felt safer in London than I do back home; however my roommate did get pickpocketed once, so stay alert. Like in any city, you have to be aware of your surroundings and make smart decisions.

I would go with CAPA a million more times if I could. The London staff was nothing short of amazing, they want you to feel welcome and they are great resources for any questions you may have. They also want to make sure that you make the most of your abroad experience. They give you all the tools to immerse yourself in the city, and the internship class teaches you a lot, including how to use your study abroad experience to leverage yourself professionally. CAPA wants to see all of its students develop personally and professionally while also having an enjoyable experience. The internship site that they placed me with was a perfect match. I got to work in my desired field, network with colleagues, and develop transferable skills. I would not have been able to do this without CAPA.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

London is expensive and the exchange rate is not in our favor, but it’s more manageable than it’s made out to be. CAPA gives you a card for the tube and busses, so you never have to pay for transportation. Overall you’re going to spend more money abroad then you would’ve at home, but it’s worth every cent.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Inclusions (Oyster card, London Pass, Fieldtrips)
• Internship site
• Housing

• The internship class (it has been revamped since I left)

The Networker