London: Entering the real world Across the Pond Past Review
By Alyssa C (PSYCHOLOGY., Clark University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England
This program allowed me to enjoy being by myself and exploring a new city and its surroundings. It also helped me be more confident in my traveling abilities and has made me want to continue traveling throughout my career and life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very manageable and helped me see and experience London. I also enjoyed the internship component very much because it was a realistic representation of how my future life could be. While the education system was different from Clark's, I felt that the teachers were very accommodating and helpful in making the switch to a new system seamless. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I liked the size of the program, but I wish we had been a part of Birkbeck college so that we could meet more people from London, and not just from other U.S. colleges. I also felt that the program was very supportive, but sometimes a bit overbearing. ( A large amount of meetings and "check ups" that seems a bit unnecessary.) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the location of my housing. It was perfect for going to class easily and making my way to my internship. It also had great access to supermarkets and the like. It was also great not to have to buy cookware, even though it would have been nice to have a bit more supplied. Also,the network of the housing was great and helpful in heating situations and fixing up things in the apartment. |
| * Food: |
Food in England is great, but you do have to be aware that groceries can be a bit expensive. Also, there are less preservatives in the food, so I found that the food was healthy and good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Classes provided great attractions and events and also allowed me to explore the city on my own and discover many different things outside of the program. It was also great to be able to travel within England and outside of the country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
England is fairly safe. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and are careful at night, it is an very safe city. One apartment was almost broken into, but the security was quickly on the case. I didn't really have to use the health care, so I cannot comment on its effectiveness. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students must make sure they have their own funding to bring with them on this program. I think independent students would do very well on this program. There is a lot of time to explore on your own and discover yourself on this program. |
