A Perfect Beginning to My Senior Year Past Review

By Jaimie B (Psychology, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This semester abroad actually helped me finally decide what I wanted to do after graduation. I also learned more about myself. Its true what they say about Europe changing a person. I am much more comfortable with things like independence and self-esteem. I would love a chance to do it all again.

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.	The workload was a little crazy trying to balance homework, an internship, and seeing London and Europe. It just took a little give and take to balance.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I had only one issue with the administration (my internship placement wasn't what I expected) but talking to the specific group in question solved my problem.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing was all taken care of by CAPA so there wasn't much to worry about. I loved the flat and the neighboorhood. We lived right in a nice and quiet neighborhood close to stores and pubs. My only issue was with one of my flatmates. There was 5 of us sharing a flat so I knew that there may be a few problems. I only needed to buy a few things to settle in like more cookware (since I actually cook) and a few comforts like a radio, another blanket, etc.
* Food:	I really enjoyed the food and the oppurtunity to try new things. I would definitely suggest researching what you want because there is a good chance that London has it. There was a great Mexican place near Leicester Square, terrific Chinese at Camden Market, and even American foodstuffs at Partidge's (for when I got homesick).
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	CAPA had many cultural oppurtunities. I loved the trip to Bath and the tickets to go see a pantomime the best. They also provided pamplets with information about travel agencies they had a discount with so you could do trips both around England and even Europe.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	London is relatively safe when you use common sense and stay aware. There were no issues with health problems either since you can run to a chemist like Boots when you are starting to feel bad and they can usually help you before the problem worsens.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Talk to someone whose gone before you. Even knowing little things like about how much the taxi costs from the airport can help ease your fears. Besides they love to talk about everything that they did and you shouldn't. I think anyone would enjoy this!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	London Through Internships
Course Department:	GST 303
Instructor:	Liz Mundle
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The class was a little unorganized but I did find certain aspects of it helpful like the internship portfolio. The internship placement was terrific! I enjoyed every minute of it and was very sad that I had to leave before the project ended.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Credit transfered without issue.

Course Name/Rating:	20th Century British Fiction
Course Department:	ENG 323
Instructor:	Keith Connelly
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was my favorite class! It was a terrific balance between reading and writing. The professor also included walking tours of places mentioned in the books and movies of the books so you got to feel the whole experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No credit transfer issues.

Course Name/Rating:	20th Century Art
Course Department:	ART 353
Instructor:	Liz Mundle
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I didn't love art going into this class but I have come to appreciate it. It isn't an easy class but you do learn a lot about art. You get to see a wide variety of art in the actual galleries and the papers make you actually take the time to think about the art. I would definitely take it again if I had the chance.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Credit transfered.