An Amazing Time in London with CAPA Past Review

By Kylie G (Communication, SUNY - College at Oswego) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

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

My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. As cliche as it sounds, I learned so much about myself and I think I am a better stronger person because of my experiences in Europe. After my semester abroad and working with my home international education office I think I am going to try and work with Higher Ed. international education after graduation. Now I want to travel even more and see as much of the world as I can!

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	All the staff I encountered at the CAPA London Center were extremely helpful. Whether I was trying to find out what line to take on the tube or how to do my assignments, everyone there was great. The support system for students is fantastic. The student advisors and the internship advisors truly care about the students and try to make sure their experience in London is the best that it can be.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing was pretty good overall but there were a few issues with our flat. Our heat was out for a while which was a hassle and our shower did not always work very well. It was great to have pots, pans, plates, and utensils provided and the rooms themselves were comfortable. The maid service we had was superb.
* Food:	The food is as good as you make it. I loved cooking for myself and it was great that the grocery store was so close.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I loved the people from all over the US that I met! The events provided like the CAPA social, the opening tea, and pre-departure dinner were great! CAPA does a wonderful job of bringing students together.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	London is extremely safe and all the staff will give you advice to make sure that you stay safe while in the UK. The CAPA emergency was answered promptly when I needed it and the help I got was great.
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?	When looking for a program to choose I would definitely say to look at what is included in your program costs. While CAPA is somewhat expensive, the amenities included are totally worth it. The stipend of 40 pounds I received every Monday was a God-send, the Oyster Card provided was fantastic, plus the trips and cultural events included were pretty amazing. My experience was incredible with CAPA.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Ethical Issues in British Media
Course Department:	BRC 395
Instructor:	Bevan Jones
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Media Ethics was my second course taught by Professor Jones and he did a great job with both of them. We had open forums in class discussing ethical issues in British media, especially print media. The issues were fascinating and we also got to go on a field trip to the ethical regulatory body for newspapers in the UK.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Nope, this class transferred easily too.

Course Name/Rating:	London Through Internships
Course Department:	GST 303
Instructor:	Liz Mundle
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	While the internships were helpful and interesting I did not feel that the class was helpful at all. Professor Mundle was very nice but the class was repetitive and did not focus so much on learning through internships as learning about social issues in London. We were not encouraged to talk about our internships so much but instead to address London's diversity and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. The class did not enhance my internship experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:	It did transfer easily.

Course Name/Rating:	Post-War Popular Culture
Course Department:	ENG 395
Instructor:	Mo (John) Dodson
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was great because Professor Dodson used London as part of the classroom. Almost every class session we met at a different place in London. We visited the Wallace Collection, the British Museum, Hyde Park, Regents Park, Camden, the National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden, the list could go on and on. He also gave great suggestions for us to visit outside of class. As an American trying to experience as much of London as possible this class was an awesome choice,
Credit Transfer Issues:	The credits transfered easily.

Course Name/Rating:	British Broadcasting
Course Department:	BRC 390
Instructor:	Bevan Jones
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I loved the British Broadcasting course! Professor Jones was knowledgeable, and hilarious. We got to visit the BBC as part of the course and we watched several British television shows like the Office, Skins, Our Neighbors to the North, as well as plenty of documentaries. I definitely had a greater understanding of British popular culture because of this course.
Credit Transfer Issues:	My credits transfered easily.