Best Thing I Could Have Done for Myself Past Review

By (Marketing, Economics, University of Westminster) - abroad from 09/06/2016 to 05/31/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: London, England

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Worthwhile is an understatement. I learned a lot about myself and my ability to juggle international travel, anxiety, living on my own and making international connections. Great for my degree, learning marketing on other countries and in other cultures. Living in such a historically significant place builds perspective.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My greatest accomplishment

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Advisor is the perfect balance between fun and authoritative. Great for managing a bunch of millennials. She says at the beginning of her program. " I am fine being your friend, until you break the rules, then I will not be fun anymore." I am still in contact with her and am proud to call her a close friend.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything is set up for you, loved living in Central London, even though it was a pretty penny

* Food:

British food in general is alright, but there are plenty of ethnic restaurants around. Love the tea culture (Brit's version of a siesta). Waitrose is the best grocery store, great produce and other cooking necessities.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did leave with a lot of fellow American friends/contacts, but I fully believe it is up to the student to get out of their comfort zone and make it a point to foster international friendships.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal experience, but I did intern with a medical clinic, managing and training them in social media. I know if I had any complications, I could go to them.

* Safety:

Have never lived in a safer city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I am planning on moving back to the UK in the next few years

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 am frugal, so I stuck to my budget, but I knew I would be digging into my savings because of the exchange rates.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Convert all of your money to pounds by getting a bank account there. It will be easier on the international expenses and will be less depressing because you won't be converting dollars to pounds in your head. You will also be able to budget in pounds. Good money management experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • People/Classnates
  • Living in London
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Price was rough
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had no idea CEA would take me on so many excursions

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 Networker
An 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.