Why did you decide to study abroad in London through CAPA?
Rose: I was very much undecided for a while as it is a very big decision to make; I was considering other programs at the time as well. In the end, I decided to go with CAPA for several reasons. One of the main reasons was how friendly and helpful the staff that was helping me with applying. It is very difficult to make sure every piece of paperwork is accounted for, but the CAPA staff aided me by being well connected in terms of contact and keeping track/updating me on my application progress every step of the way. Another big reason was more personal, because I have a strong interest in the UK having been there twice before, once with my family, the other time through the People to People Ambassador Program.
I had not had the real chance to explore the city before or make proper connections with the people of London, and that prospect made it all the more appealing. I also studied abroad with CAPA because I knew I would be going with people from the US, not only from the east coast but also all over the country, which meant more strong friendships and connections to be made. I was also pleased with the courses that were offered, ones that were predominately focused on the British government and cultural landscape, these courses coincided with my main areas of study: Political Science and Anthropology.
What made this study abroad experience so unique and special?
Rose: I think what made this study abroad experience so special was getting over some of the rough obstacles I faced whilst abroad. In the beginning it is all very exciting and with the experience of culture shock, it can also be quite scary as well. I began to feel overwhelmed being so far from home; bouts of homesickness took over me from time to time. I also was facing some difficult issues with a housemate; which CAPA graciously assisted me with and even found me an amazing homestay family to live with! Pushing myself through the anxiety I was feeling was very special for me because after that happened I was able to open myself up to new exciting experiences. I was able to join the Imperial College Debate Society, a type of organization I would have never considered joining back in the states, and through this, I met and made some amazing friends from all over the UK and Europe as well.
I participated in multiple debates with some fun topics and socialized outside with the members. I was also part of the Latin Dance Society as well, learning all types of dances and shaking off all the discomfort I felt before. It was unique in that we, as CAPA students, were able to join organizations from an official college in London, which allowed us to make friends with locals. It is nice to be able to say I have felt a vast improvement in my public speaking skills as well because the Debate Society pushed me to overcome my fear of public speaking.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Rose: This experience has made me strongly consider going abroad for graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in public relations or something similar. I fell in love with the city, although expensive, it has so many amazing neighborhoods, and people in it, a very rich history and some of the most beautiful architecture I have ever seen. So, while I have been fiercely on the job hunt, I am also looking up possible graduate schools, such as Kings College, in London as a possibility for the future. Going abroad has also made me want to travel more; the friends I made in Ireland warned me as soon as I started traveling that I would catch “the travel bug,” and I undoubtedly have!
During my time abroad I was able to go to Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Germany, and I want to extend that list even further in the future as I continue to expand my travel repertoire. I feel my future has also been impacted because it gave me more confidence in my ability to take care of myself when I will need to one day be on my own. It gave the entire student body a little more independence than in college being that we were in a completely new city, having to learn transportation routes, proper social etiquette, and money management. I feel if I could make it in London for several months, I could make it in my home city of Washington DC.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering studying abroad in London?
Rose: One piece of advice I always stress to any one who is interested in going abroad is never ever let your fears stop you from enjoying one of the single greatest experiences you will ever have. I had countless fears before I went abroad and when I was abroad, but when it comes down to it, there is so much to be excited for. At one point I almost went home, but my family and friends urged me to stay and not let anything stop me from doing something that, honestly, not many students always have the opportunity to do.
I was able to see the most beautiful places in many different countries and form life-long friendships with people from a number of countries and backgrounds. It might sound cliché but that is what happens when you study abroad, you open yourself to a new culture and become part of their world. I can honestly call London my home away from home because I adapted to the environment around me when I let go of everything that was holding me back. The place you go abroad may not be your “second home” but you’re going there for a reason, to immerse in a culture educationally and socially where every opportunity to do something new should be taken without hesitation.