Why did you decide to intern abroad with CAPA in London?
Sarah: I decided to intern abroad with CAPA in London for many reasons. While doing my own study abroad research I found CAPA through my university's international programs office website. I was really interested in going to London and the fact that CAPA offered an internship with their program was an opportunity that I did not want to pass up. Interning abroad is an amazing experience that is worth the time, money, and effort. I was able to work in a small office environment (though CAPA had many different office environments provided for its students) and learned a lot about British working culture as well as office etiquette. Interning abroad was a great experience that also helped to boost my resume by gaining work experience in a foreign country. If you are given the opportunity to intern abroad do it! It is a life changing experience.
What made this experience unique and special?
Sarah: What made my experience with CAPA unique and special was the ability to intern abroad as well as staff that was well versed in British culture. The staff at CAPA always had great advice and tips on how to work and live in London. When you first arrive in London CAPA staff greet you at your flat and take you on a short tour/info session of your neighborhood and London in general. They also provide very informative sessions about crime in major cities in Britain and Europe, travel advice, as well as other nifty hints and tricks many people would never think of. You were never left to wander blindly in the dark. Coming into a large, foreign city is often frightening just as much as it is exciting. The CAPA staff were able to keep their students informed on the inherent perils of living in a big city as well as offering information on the greatest destinations in and out of the city to visit and on their personal favorites when it came to pubs, museums and other fun activities.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Sarah: This experience has impacted my future in many ways. Personally, I made several amazing friendships and learned a lot about myself while abroad. I can now confidently say that I am a big city person and love a lot of change in my life. In the future I would love to be in closer proximity to foreign countries, so I can travel extensively and learn more about the world. I love the idea of learning and experiencing new cultures and other things through travel. I also have a greater appreciation for European cultures now. Professionally, I've definitely learned what I do and don't want in respects to my future career. Interning abroad gave me an experience of a lifetime. I learned a lot about what it is like to work in an office environment and what I could feasible expect of my future career(s) depending on which paths I decide to take. I also know now that I can choose to change my career path or ideas at anytime; I'm not just stuck in one track.
What was the highlight of your experience?
Sarah: The highlight of my experience was my entire experience. My time in London was the most amazing I've ever experienced. Even when things didn't seem to go perfectly right all the time, such as randomly getting sick or losing my phone, I was still having an amazing time. I felt well adjusted in the city. I traveled often, which in itself was the experience of a lifetime. I made British friends outside of CAPA that were my link to a more authentic understanding of London. I was having an amazing time no matter what. I know, it sounds cliché and silly, but I think until you actually experience studying abroad, you don't understand what you were missing until it's gone and you're back home again.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in London?
Sarah: If you are considering interning abroad in London do it! London is one of the most diverse hubs in the world. The city is so large that you could not feasibly discover every nook and cranny in just a few short months. The city is chock full of history that can't even be contained in all of the museums. It is wildly beautiful and is a great distance from most other choice European destinations. Interning also provides a very unique and interesting cultural experience. Just make sure to soak up the city. There is so much to see and do, don't just sit around in your flat all day tinkering on the internet or watching basic cable. Get out there! Also, if you have any hobbies, sports, or activities that CAPA doesn't offer, find a local group to join! While abroad I wanted to play rugby and I did internet research in America before leaving and was able to find a team in the city to play with. Branching out while abroad is great. You can make life long connections and contacts that will be fun and useful in the future.