CEA CAPA Internships in London, England

I loved London and the CAPA program. I got to see the country in a unique way because of my internship, I really felt like a Londoner, not just a tourist or an international student. I plan to move back to London after graduation because I loved it so much. My classes were always interesting and engaging. The staff really want you to enjoy not only the UK but all of Europe and are so helpful when making travel plans. I have nothing but great things to say about the city, the program and CAPA.

Studying abroad in London through CAPA was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Before my departure, I was nervous, anxious, a little scared because it was my first time traveling to a forgein country (And Alone), and had some doubt on if I was even ready to take this step. But after orientations, preparations through CAPA and my school's international program, they prepared me with so many resources that gave me the confidence to go! and I'm glad I did.
I've gained so much confidence and independence, met so many locals that I'm close friends with now, and had the opportunity to intern and learn so much about this global city. If the program isn't London, I advise anyone who has a chance to study abroad! Take advantage of a life-transforming opportunity. Don't let fear, finances, doubt or people keep you from experiencing a once life-time experience. If finances are an issue, find ways to gain scholarships through your study abroad program and international program at your home school as I did which was so helpful to pay for my plane ticket. Ask questions, if it's your first time, no question is nonsense, know as much as you can to prepare yourself! Lastly, don't let fear and doubt get in the way! You may feel this way because it is a situation out of your comfort zone, but coming out of your comfort zone is the only way for you to truly grow as a person, so take chances and see the world from a new perspective!

I was immediately impressed with CAPA from the day that I had my Skype interview, to the day that I arrived at my apartment in London, and continued to be impressed as the program went on. I couldn't be more thrilled with the choice I made to study abroad with CAPA. The structure and resources that CAPA provided me with we're essential to my success and enjoyment of the program. I absolutely loved the way my classes were structured and I genuinely enjoyed going to class each week. My CAPA instructor was incredible and so insightful. I learned so much during his class and on our field trips. I would make sure to highlight with prospective students that CAPA does an amazing job of making sure you get the most our of your experience. The classes weren't a chore at all, and instead they provided a ton of useful knowledge about the city you are studying in. I would also encourage the internship program because it was truly the best decision I ever made to go with this CAPA internship program as opposed to other programs. I got so much out of my four months abroad that I wouldn't have gotten if I didn't intern. Aside from the incredible program itself, I was also very impressed with the housing and how safe I felt. I never once felt unsafe in my apartment or walking to it and I felt very safe in my neighborhood. I was located in Clifton Gardens/Maida Vale. I would also talk to the students about all of the resources that CAPA has available to the students in their program. I was very sick for the first month of my time abroad and I was very easily able to find walk-in clinics using the CAPA Guardian App. They is truly nothing I would change about the CAPA program, and everything went so smoothly during my time abroad so I would definitely highlight that to the students.

My internship in London has changed and grown me in so many ways. I now feel comfortable walking into any professional setting, can establish conversations with just about anyone, and was able to make connections abroad that are unique to my experience abroad. While the summer could be rather heat intensive, it was all so worth it! I would, without a doubt, do it again a million times! Cassandra was one of the on-sight coordinators and she made every CEA event a blast! I miss British Pies and English Breakfast as well as living in a flat with my friends, who quickly became like family. I am so thankful for this opportunity that truly changed my life!

I took part in an 8-week intern abroad program through CEA in London during summer '17 session, and, for the most part, the program has been good. Not great, but good.

Unfortunately, my experience is bitter sweet. More bitter towards the end than sweet. I had alerted CEA that I would be needing to leave two weeks early for my brother's wedding, before I even applied to the program. After I applied, I was sure to alert every CEA official of my intentions to leave early.

I was extremely busy toward the end of my spring semester. Between my RA job on campus, my internship with Baker Tilly in my hometown, travelling back and forth between home and college, and taking two upper level college courses in my accounting major, I was already pretty busy. Throw in countless hours of paperwork for CEA and this pathetic program, and I forgot to bring up the fact that we would like to get a discount for the two weeks I wasn't going to be there.

I brought this up about 3-4 weeks into my shortened 6 week program (originally 8 weeks). I went to the finance department at CEA, and didn't get anywhere. All they told me was that I had signed the terms and conditions and was responsible for 100% of the cost. I went to the director, and pleaded my case. They wouldn't so much as give me half of what I was asking for.

This program and CEA HQ are money hungry and profit driven. They could care less about the average (poor) college student that is giving an arm and a leg to pay for their program, which, by the way, doesn't even cover the cost of your airfare, meals, transportation, or excursions. Oh, and also, if you plan on interning, you'll need a visa. CEA doesn't cover the cost of the visa, either. I didn't get my placement until 2-3 weeks before my flight was supposed to leave, which then meant I had to expedite my visa to have it in time before I left. All in all, my visa ended up costing me an additional $400-500 in order to get it on time. Essentially, I paid $8,000 (for six weeks) for an apartment that isn't air conditioned, and an internship that is unpaid. Also, note this $8,000 is before the flights and everything else I mentioned that isn't included.

If I were to do this over again, I wouldn't choose CEA. The experience I've had on my own time, and the friends and relationships I've developed on my own, have been great. We've traveled all over the UK, and plan on traveling to Rome my last weekend here. That part of it has been wonderful.

If you're a perspective student looking to sign up with this program, I would caution you. You'll be working 30+ hours a week, with a very strict attendance policy. You'll also have a 4 hour class on the other day you aren't working. You'll be limited to the weekends for travel, which is almost useless, as you'll be spending anywhere between 100GBP and 300GBP for two to three nights. I would highly recommend traveling on your own as you can see more and experience more without all of the restrictions that CEA places on you. And you'll also save $8,000 and be able to put it towards actual travel expenses, instead of flushing it down the toilet to a CEA program that will refuse to do anything for you.

I hope this helps! Feel free to contact me with any specific questions about the program if you have any.

Where to begin? CEA is the best thing I could have done for myself. The onsite administration is phenomenal, the cultural immersion and international connections cannot be beat. The internships available through University of Westminster are rewarding both for resumes and personal outlook. Easy flights to experience the rest of Europe. My personal growth has enhanced my own skills and relationships both in the marketing world and personal. Inspired me to get a job in international education.