My first ever visit to London lasted less than two days, so I could accept an award for an essay competition before heading back on a 13-hour flight back to Singapore for school the following Monday. I'd arrived at Heathrow at 3 pm on Friday and was set to head back at 6 am on Sunday. Funny enough, it was the walk through Paddington Station towards my hotel that sparked the initial idea of coming back. The bear statue was the most iconic part of the trip, even more than my award.

While I knew that going abroad for my first semester of college was a risky and ambitious choice, after spending three months there rather than 39 hours, I can confidently say that the Paddington Statue was 100% worth the cost of another plane ticket. As someone who has lived abroad in Singapore for most of my life, I found the fast-paced, unfamiliar environment of London relatively easy to adapt to. Having been there once before definitely helped with navigating the airport, but I was most keen to explore everything I'd missed during the 39 hours I was last there.

Fortunately, many of my CEA CAPA classes were tailored to exploring London's diverse neighborhoods and boroughs, often described as a cluster of individual villages rather than a cohesive city. Even though my favorite class was more focused on international relations than exploration, the opportunity to spend the day in London's free museums, cultural heritage sites, and neighborhoods, as well as the more "touristy" areas, was the most rewarding part of CEA CAPA's academic structure.

I think London is a city with something for everyone, and my classmates and I always found something to do between and after classes. As I adjust to the structure of regular campus life, my 39 hours and 3 months in London have become integral to my academic and professional ambitions.

Studying at QMUL was an incredible experience for me! East London has such a vibrant culture; you're walking distance from so many amazing places to eat, shop, and go out, along with having two tube stops an under-10-minute walk in either direction. It was so lovely to live on campus there, and I made more friends than I can count-- both in my classes and just from exploring the city. It wasn't terribly difficult to keep up with my required coursework as an English major, and I was left with plenty of time to have my own adventures, like participating in a musical, going to museums, doing karaoke every week, and meeting as many new faces as I could.

Once I completed the program and looked back at all the memories I had, I couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude for my first semester of college. CEA CAPA supported students in numerous ways, from having amazing and well-prepared professors who help keep the class engaged despite challenging concepts, constantly having team building events like curry nights, and constantly reiterating the support we had made me feel safe and comfortable to learn the ways of life in London while knowing I have all the resources I need.

So lucky to have this experience in my first year of college! I’m not the biggest traveler, and so it was cool being able to adjust to change so quickly but with so much support. Thanks to the program, my first semester almost never had a dull day— I was academically and socially stimulated, I also got so many steps in without even feeling it, there simply was so much to do and so many things we were encouraged to do. I only wish there were more opportunities to connect with other schools that were undergoing similar programs, as I did see them sometimes around but never had enough time to connect and share out experiences!

I cannot recommend studying abroad with CEA CAPA enough, especially in London. The city is such a cultural hotspot, and there is truly something for everyone. I spent an entire year there, and I never got bored of it, especially thanks to CEA CAPA's excursions to various places throughout England. If you're worried about moving overseas and being on your own, that is a totally valid concern -- however, I will say I felt the safest I've ever felt in a city in London, and I feel like I settled into my existence there so quickly. Going abroad with CEA CAPA is especially helpful, because I was able to meet so many other people in the same boat as me, and I made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Just like many people who study abroad, I felt like London was my second home. Growing up in a small town just shy of 10,000 people, living in London felt like a whole world opened itself up in front of me. I felt wonder in the everyday moments, whether that was figuring out public transport or going grocery shopping. This short-term-trial-run of adulthood was truly a transformative time overall, but there were a few aspects that were especially memorable.

One of these was my London Museums class with Professor Lahav. This class had an alternating structure–one week we were in class, the other we would visit London museums. Not only did I become much more involved and interested in the arts, but I got to explore and navigate London on a daily basis. These museums were free, so I frequently visited them to study or just take a look around new exhibits.

Coming into my semester abroad, I was worried about making friends. This was my first semester of freshman year, I had no friends on campus, and I was scared that if I didn’t make any now, I would be isolated for the rest of the year. Not only did I make several close friends, but I came back to campus with a web of people who I could maintain casual contact with–whether in class or at a dining hall. It is always refreshing to catch up with people I went abroad with, and it really solidifies the fact that going abroad my first semester was the best for me.

My experience in London was different than many of the students around me because I am an artist, and was constantly exploring and looking for artistic opportunities in the city and in the other places I traveled to. The program mostly had business and psychology majors, and the courses offered were related to those subjects for the most part. I took pottery lessons and engaged in art museum social events in the city. I encourage all artists to go abroad, see what the city has to offer, and get inspired!

Studying abroad in London with CEA CAPA was truly one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, the program was organized and supportive, which made adjusting to a new country so much easier. I had the chance to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world while also continuing my studies. What really set this program apart was the opportunity to intern. Having professional experience in an international setting not only gave me valuable skills but also boosted my confidence and helped me grow both personally and academically. I made great friends, connected with mentors, and learned how to adapt in a global environment. Looking back, I am so grateful I chose this program and would recommend it to any student who wants to combine travel, education, and career development into one unforgettable experience.