Interning abroad in London Past Review

By (Siena College) - abroad from 09/06/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained global awareness, personal identity, appreciation of diverse people and cultures, and memories that will last a lifetime. 100% worthwhile. I would do it all over again if I could!

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.

There is a perfect amount of coursework involved in this program. It is not too much where you feel like you cannot handle it, but it is enough to feel like you are actually getting something out of it. The professors are all really helpful and recognize that you are studying abroad, so they want to help make it the best experience possible! There are a number of classes which have field studies or out-of-the-classroom excursions where you can experience what you are learning about firsthand. This allows you to see so much of your host city that you wouldn't have even known about it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff and administration at CAPA are all very helpful and kind. At some points it was a little annoying how much they contacted the students. However, they stay on top of you for a good reason and are just looking out for you. They do all they can to make it a great experience for everyone who is there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were smaller than someone is probably used to, but that was expected. A few people in my complex had mice in their flats. However, that was not the case for my flat. The housekeeping each week helps a lot to keep the place clean! Great location, close to the tube as well.

* Food:

The food was good, but obviously a little different from American food. Therefore, I did not always love the taste but there is so much variety that you can really get anything you want. You are guaranteed to like something and can find some really great food places!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in a flat in the city and traveling around on your own makes you feel well integrated with the local culture. However, living in an apartment complex with all study abroad students gave us some separation, which is good and bad for various reasons. My internship allowed me to meet a lot of people from London as well as other cities around the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were addressed promptly and with no problems. I had an issue in Germany where I required healthcare. CAPA was able to help me out even though I was in a different country and I had no problems getting the help I needed as quickly as possible. I was also refunded in a timely manner from CAPA for all my health expenses. I did not need any vaccines for this program, nor did I notice any prevalent health issues in London.

* Safety:

London is a very safe city. The crime that happens is more pitty crime compared to the US. Therefore, it is perfectly fine to be out and about on your own, within good reason obviously. The most important thing to worry about is getting your phone stolen. People will grab it out of your hands on the street and the police can do little about it.

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

The internship was a very beneficial experience and allowed me to grow and develop professionally. I also loved how diverse and global London is and am glad I was able to be in that type of environment.

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)

Traveling is cheap, but adds up when you go on different trips every other weekend. London is overall an expensive city so food can add up over the weeks as well. Overall, I did not spend as much as I was planning on spending and I was able to do mostly everything I wanted to. I don't feel like I missed out on anything due to money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $300 if I was doing a lot that week, otherwise about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only buy what you need to. Look for cheap travel deals, a lot exist! Don't be frivolous with your money. Yes, you are on vacation but use your money wisely.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The language is English, but certain phrases are picked up on and used frequently.

What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A&P French
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I am not sure because the native language was the language we use back home.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship
  • Courses
  • Field Studies
* What could be improved?
  • Length of field studies (shortened a little bit)
  • Increased independence/trust with finishing internship hours
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is nothing that I know now that I wish I knew before going on this program. Except that it goes by quicker than you could ever imagine and to cherish every second (which I definitely did)!

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!