Unbelievable Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 04/23/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent in a foreign city and I learned how to interact with all kinds of people. Yes, it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were educational and we did go on a lot of field trips. But they did grade harsher then what I was use too. Also each class was 3 and a half hours long, which can make one stir crazy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CAPA program was average. I honestly felt they were going to give us more then what they actually gave us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were no great. My roommate and I had a pigeon living in our wall at one point and they did nothing about it. They set us up with suite mates with whom we had nothing in common with and and crammed 5 people into an apartment built more equipped for 3 people. Also all the appliances were of poor quality and the area in which they put us was definitely not the safest part of London.

* Food:

There was no option for a meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London culture and people were fantastic, I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to get to know this city and explore it like a true Londoner.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally never had to deal with healthcare in the UK.

* Safety:

London overall is a pretty safe city. Pick pocketing can be a problem, but it's like any city just be smart about it and keep your bag in front of you. I did not live in the best area, so if you find yourself in an uncomfortable area, just look ahead and keep walking ahead. Ignore anyone who may try to bother you.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I loved studying abroad, but I do not think CAPA lived up to it's potential. In fact it slightly disappointed me.

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)

I usually needed to take out 200 dollars every 1 and a half to two weeks to spend on food and personals.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to go out to eat too much, try and mostly eat in.

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
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?
  • The free oystercard
  • Internship
* What could be improved?
  • Working on structuring classes differently
  • Give better housing
  • Not have such strict attendance rules.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about what my program would of been like.

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 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.