"It Only Ends Once. Anything Before That Is Just Progress” Past Review
By Michael J G (Mass Communication, Auburn University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/20/2013 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England
My study abroad semester was a huge personal expedition because I overcame many individual obstacles to achieve many goals. This took a great deal of growing up and understanding myself better while in London and my travels. My study abroad experience was a huge and great milestone in the progress in my life journey.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great and friendly staff that was always there for us to ask questions or host fun event around the city. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in a great flat in West Kensington not far from a tub station. Tesco market was right next door and the CAPA campus was only a 15 minute walk away. |
| * Food: |
Food in London was a bit pricey everywhere. Pub food was good most places but not great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
London is a big and vibrant city with so much to do and see from all different types of cultures. Cannot recommend London enough! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had a health issue or concern while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe or in danger at my flat or on CAPA campus. |
| 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) |
London is a very expensive city. I was not easy to live on a budget and still go out and see everything. I had to always been money conscious and worry about how everything converted into USD. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | always varied but around 60-70 USD a week (that's if I just stayed in London for the weekend and didn't travel) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always use the free-cash ATM (most of the time attached to a grocery store) which do not charge a service fee. Carry money around and not a debit/credit card (some places/stores can't accommodate a way to swipe american cards). Buy groceries and eat at home because going out at night almost always require a cover and will have expensive food/drinks. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The first couple week are going to be difficult but you will get better at navigating through London. Everything is going to be expensive so just know that going in. Never be afraid to ask people to travel the city. Book tickets for weekend trips way in advance. Appreciate the little adventures CAPA host. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
