This was a quick 2 week research program through my university! CEA CAPA was there however to make sure we got into housing smoothly, gave us some orientation, and was decently available outside of that in case of emergency. They also planned very fun group activities like a family style Indian dinner and a west end show called "Operation Mincemeat". It was a very independent program where after our orientation days and our professor showing us around the different archives, you pretty much went about your day doing what you needed to do! I love London and I loved my 2 weeks there, I definitely wish it was longer!

Studying abroad in London with CEA CAPA was genuinely a life changing experience for me. I can't say that any one thing I have experienced has affected me as much as studying abroad did. From experiences that were offered by CEA CAPA to experiences I was inspired to do personally, this trip was filled to the brim with things that inspired me. CEA CAPA was so wonderful in preparing me for this trip with frequent emails as well as offering up any further support needed. While in London, CEA CAPA made sure that my group and I were prepared for everything we might encounter in London, including navigating the public transport there. I made so many amazing friends while in London and had experiences like no other--from watching West End musicals, to exploring the East End, to riding on the Tube, to going to a variety of different restaurants and pubs--my London trip changed me for the better.

I could ramble on about all the amazing experiences I had during my time with CEA CAPAs program, so I will try to keep this short. Every moment was incredible. The program was a solid mix of guided and free exploration. Educationally speaking the trip was well worth it as I not only learned a ton about local culture and a piece of what life outside the states was like, but also we saw a massive amount of theatre in a wide range of venues. This was very helpful to me as I not only hope to move outside the states post-grad but work in the theatre industry as well. I was only there for two weeks but in such a short time I was able to start to build a network of contacts and job prospects, in majority thanks to CEA CAPAs connections and access to facility tours. The staff and guides were helpful, always on top of things, and a joy to talk to/work with.

As a theater student, this was the perfect trip for me. The coursework itself challenged me to think deeper about the ideologies present in the media we consume. I was able to apply these lessons to every show we saw. We saw so many different kinds of shows, from one that was literally just in a room above a bar to full scale West End productions. I felt very immersed in the theater scene there, and honestly my favorite show wasn't even on the West End. We even traveled out of London to Stratford-Upon-Avon for the obligatory trip to Shakespeare's home. I also think we had the perfect amount of free time to balance scheduled programming with time to explore according to our interests. Our CEA CAPA liaison was so friendly and helpful, I had such a good time getting to know her.

While I was abroad in London for 6 weeks over the summer, I had an incredible time! I would truly recommend this program to anyone interested in going abroad, as it doesn't require you to learn a new language and all the staff is absolutely incredible. CAPA is super supportive and will help you with pretty much anything you need and was great about answering questions. Some things to know are:

- There are guided activities for students to get to know one another and see more of the city and surrounding area, and they were all super fun! I loved going to Bath and Stonehenge and Greenwich the most, though. The program usually covers most fees for these outings, as well!

- You get a lot of time and freedom to explore the city on your own terms. I spent my time taking 2 intensive classes, but before/after class I loved wandering through different neighborhoods and checking out different places around the city. Making a bucket list of places and things you want to visit is never a bad idea! I had a coffee shop bucket list, and I tried to visit a new place every day. I had the best time ever, and fell in love with some really cozy places around the city that just made me feel more at home.

- You get an unlimited oyster card to take you around the city (zones 1 and 2, which is almost all of urban london). It is really easy to get around, and after about a week, you have your daily commute figured out by heart. Be prepared for some weird issues every once in a while, though... there are a few days where the tube can be unpredictable.

- Study abroad is what you make of it! SO much of your experience is entirely up to you, and going to a new place is THE time to try new things, meet new people, and take a few risks (be safe and smart though). Nothing is truly set in stone, and there is always time to change or improve your experience.

You won't regret. Just go and do it! I had the absolute best time during my semester abroad. From traveling and learning more about the world, to meeting new people and even learning more about myself, I wish every semester could be a semester abroad! When I landed, CEA CAPA was there for me right off the bat. They met me onsite and walked me through the basics like using the public transportation, which side of the sidewalk to walk on, and even took me to dinner. I went to class like any other college student and traveled to six different countries, plenty of which were recommended to me by CEA CAPA staff. When I got sick, they told me where to go and how to get help, even continued to check on me weeks after. Even though I was an entire ocean away from home, I felt like I had my own family looking out for me as I branched out into the international world and got to step into my own.

Studying abroad with CEA CAPA in London was an amazing experience that I’ll always treasure. There was a strong balance between academics, cultural immersion, and personal growth. The courses were engaging and connected directly to the city, allowing us to go on many field trips to apply our learning to real life. We were able to experience museum exhibitions, walking tours, and so many other opportunities I might not have had without CEA CAPA.

What I loved most was how much freedom I had to explore London while still feeling connected to a group of peers who quickly became some of my closest friends. I was able to feel so connected to the city, and actually leave a piece of myself in London!

Overall, studying abroad in London with CEA CAPA gave me lifelong memories, and a deeper confidence in myself. I can’t recommend this program enough to anyone looking for an exciting study abroad experience!

Before studying abroad in London, I knew very little about London’s culture and European history. For example, I didn’t know Stonehenge was in England. Studying abroad with CEA CAPA opened my eyes to how big the world we live in is. London has all kinds of history, food, and museums. Also, the best museums are free! Coming back to school this year, I have found a new way of confidence in myself and how I can adapt to change in life. Studying abroad is truly a life-changing experience and is something I will always be happy to talk about.