Why did you decide to study abroad with CAPA London Program in London?
Shelby: I decided to study abroad with CAPA in London because there were so many options and opportunities that came with the program. My program was supported by my home university and had courses that would apply to my major. CAPA London also has a really great internship program in which I was placed in an internship that applied to my major. CAPA also provides My Education programs that include different cultural events that show you ways about London such as curry night in Brick Lane, a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath, walking tours, and much more. I also wanted to study abroad in an English speaking country. London is an amazing city that is easy to find your way around, travel in and out of, and is filled with so much culture. I have never been to Europe so I wanted to travel and experience as much as I possibly could, and I felt that London could provide me with that along with an amazing experience.
What made this study abroad experience so unique and special?
Shelby: There were so many events that made my study abroad experience as great as it was. What I loved was that I went to school and lived with American students. It gave me a sense of being home when I was homesick. It also gave me more friends back in America, and I still stay in touch with them. I also loved how easy and cheap it was to travel throughout Europe through London. While abroad I went to eight different countries and experience the most amazing food and culture. With the three airports, the EuroStar, and the tube, it is so easy to travel to and from London. I also loved that CAPA London had the internship program. That was a big chunk of my experience that I loved and appreciated very much. I learned in a different way compared to the regular classroom. It was very hands-on and made amazing relationships with my coworkers. There were so many different elements that made my London experience unforgettable and special. I can’t wait to go back.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Shelby: CAPA London provided me with so many great opportunities for my future. I am not only putting that I studied abroad on my resume, but I am also putting that I had an internship abroad by the young age of 20. Not many people can say that. CAPA also has leadership opportunities like joining their Student Council to plan events and after the program. They also have the opportunity to become a CAPA Study Abroad Ambassador, which I am currently doing for my home university. They offer so many great opportunities that help you build your future. Studying and living in another country has taught me so much and how to live and appreciate my American culture a lot differently. I appreciate all that I have learned because it was a really eye-opening experience. It made me look at the world in a different light and has actually motivated me to be more involved with American culture as well.
I plan to travel throughout the United States a lot more now. I am also looking into Graduate school programs abroad as well for my future academic career. Either way, I am making plans to travel back to Europe hopefully in the near future, and can not wait to be back in London sometime very soon.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering studying abroad in London?
Shelby: I would advise you to be very open minded, try new things, get lost, and experience as much as you can. The great thing about CAPA is that they have so many opportunities to experience London in a different point of view. They have walking tours, sight seeing events, dining events, and much more. I would advise that you take up these opportunities as much as possible. Also, the great thing about the CAPA London program is that there are no classes on Fridays. Take this time to travel outside of London and experience other parts of Europe as well. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should experience and see as much as you possibly can. Even within London, there is so much to do and see that I felt like four months there wasn’t enough. Don’t waste anytime, don’t pass up any opportunities to go out and do something. Whether it’s as small as trying a new food, or as big as going to another country, just go out and see what the world has to offer.