Why did you decide to study abroad with CAPA in London?
Emma: Though I wanted to study abroad ever since I started at the University of Delaware, I never thought I would be able to do so due in part to having changed my major three times before my second semester of sophomore year. After I settling on a major I began looking into programs that would allow me to take courses that I could apply to my major. Fortunately, the University of Delaware has a partnership with CAPA that allows their courses to count at my home institution. After looking at the course and program description for the London program I decided that it was the right choice for me. Plus with the Olympics only a few short months away it seemed like the stars had all aligned.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Emma: There are a few reasons why this study abroad experience was unique and special. To start, it was my first time out of the country. I have an intense fear of flying that prevented me from venturing very far outside of my home state of New Jersey. Not only did I get to explore London inside and out but I also traveled to Barcelona, Seville, Paris, Rome, Florence, Prague, Amsterdam, and Liverpool while studying abroad. Additionally, this experience taught me how to be extremely independent and self-sufficient.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Emma: My experience with CAPA has without a doubt contributed to my ability to secure a job post graduation. During the interview process I was able to express my willingness to travel/relocate, my ability to thrive in areas outside of my comfort zone while maintaining an open mind, and how much I have grown as a person after being exposed to many new cities and cultures. Additionally I find that I am able to engage in more interesting conversations having gone through such a rewarding experience.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering studying abroad in London?
Emma: I would tell someone who is considering studying abroad in London to remember that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and to live every moment to the fullest. I would suggest they make a list of everything they want to see or do in the city and take whatever means necessary to cross every item off that list. Additionally, I would tell them to travel outside of their chosen city.
Highlights: Aside from the evening runs, making wonderful friends and riding every tube line, the highlight of my trip would have to be the amount I was able to travel. I not only was able to explore London but I also traveled to Liverpool, Conwy, Llandudno, Seville, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Florence, Prague and Amsterdam. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to places I had only read about.
Morning: Two mornings a week my day began at 8am. I would wake up, take my time getting ready and leave the flat with enough time to stop off at the Waterloo Station Costa Coffee shop for a latte and granola bar. Shortly after that I would enjoy the 20-minute tube ride, including one line change, to Gloucester Road Station. I usually arrived at the CAPA center with enough time to finish breakfast and meet other students in the lounge before heading up to class. Though classes are 3 hours long, they are broken up by coffee breaks and educational walking trips.
Afternoon: It became routine to walk down a couple of doors to the Internet café for a discounted lunch after a morning class. Because I only had one afternoon class I typically would take the tube back to my apartment but get off a couple stops early to enjoy the walk. From there I would either work on schoolwork on Southbank or go to a museum with a couple flat mates.
Evening: Evenings were my favorite part. Most if not all nights I would wait for dusk and begin a very long run up and down the River Thames. Not only were the views of the River, the London Eyes, Big Ben, Parliament and more incredible but I found it was a great way to explore the area. For dinner, my flat mates and I would typically walk down the street to a pub called the Wellington where we would sometimes catch a very exciting soccer match.