Best Experience of My Life! Wish I Could Do It All Over Again! Past Review
By Kyaira Banks (Rollins College) - abroad from 01/10/2018 to 04/21/2018 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England
Studying abroad with CAPA London was definitely worthwhile! I hope to visit London again! I definitely gained a lot more confidence as a person and as a traveler and want to travel a lot more. I'm glad I was able to meet so many locals whom I still keep in contact with today.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CAPA's Program Administration was always available. Very helpful in assisting students with any concerns they have in a timely manner. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangement was more than what was expected! I llived in a two-story flat in Camden Town, with four other girls, two from my College! The flat was right next to the Camden Town Tube station which was very convenient. I loved living close to the Camden Markets, the area was very vibrant and lively every night. |
| * Food: |
I loved trying the different restaurants in London. Nando's is a must-go! CAPA University along with my other classes gave us a chance to experience a real authentic teas and cakes gathering as well as Curry Cuisine which is very popular in London. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture. I joined a weekly basketball group where I was able to meet many locals my age who shared the same love for basketball as I did. I made many friends and many I keep in contact with today! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no healthcare experiences. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe around Camden Town where I lived. Lights were always on at night an Tube station workers were always willing to help you find your way back home if you got lost or felt unsafe. CAPA provides numbers for safety concerns if any occurred. I traveled a lot by myself, as a first-timer studying abroad and never felt any safer! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
London had so much to offer and CAPA University had so many free excursions and trips to offer that I couldn't do it all within four months. I got to do the bulk of everything I could, but I would definitely go back and explore more, especially with a new perspective that will make me more familiar with a place and not have as much anxiety and unfamiliarity as I did when I first arrived to London. |
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) |
I saved up about $3,000 for my trip including scholarship I was offered. I spent probably 100-200 a week on things and more when traveling to other countries. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-$300 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to take turns with yoru flat mates cooking a meal! Don't always eat out! Look for scholarship opportunities through your home University or study abroad university Prioritize what you spend! Avoid Group College trips to other countries! Travel alone with a couple of friends is a lot more cheaper so you won't get ripped off! Plan ahead and save a few months in advance if you plan to study abroad! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Now that I've studied abroad, I am not filled with any fears, doubts, worries, or anxieties about going to another country. I know now that everything was going to be fine and fully trusted that I was prepared to go abroad. I would have gotten out of my comfort zone earlier than later and experienced more things. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
