Best Semester Ever! Past Review

By (Anthropology., University of South Florida) - abroad from 08/20/2013 to 11/20/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have become much more independent, confident, and adaptable. I now know that I am capable of adapting and thriving in one of the most important, bustling cities in the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took three classes per week. Unfortunately, due to the specific program I had chosen, I was unable to choose my own classes/schedule and thus am giving my overall educational experience (regarding the classes only) three stars.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CAPA Staff in London were amazing. They were courteous, helpful, and always "kept their cool" under pressure. They were also very friendly and sociable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt a little crowded in my housing, but the housing is program specific. Some of the other programs had great housing, so just be detailed when researching your program.

* Food:

Food in London was AMAZING! Not that expensive to go out and groceries were surprisingly reasonable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London is such a diverse place that I never felt like an outsider. I made a lot of local friends, and met a lot of people my age.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

London was much safer than I anticipated. I felt safe walking around regardless of the time. Just be smart about where you are/what you do and you'll be fine.

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)

London is an expensive place, but not impossible to do under budget. Travel is relatively cheap, but research and planning is necessary.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Food
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now have a much better sense of budgeting and wish I could use that skill to have spent my money more wisely.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.