CEA CAPA Education Abroad in London, England

I studied abroad with CEA London last Spring semester (2015). From the minute I submitted my application, CEA's staff was welcoming and helpful. Cassandra Peacock was my program coordinator and she made every day with CEA a new adventure. I loved all of the organized trips and fun activities we did around the city. Through CEA I was able to acclimate to the London way of life and see so many different aspects of the culture. Not only did CEA make my time abroad special, but the relationship continued after I left. The friendships I made with my roommate and other program members are still going strong. Plus, when I emailed Cassandra a year later for assistance with a project back at my home university, she immediately said yes. The care and support I've received from the CEA staff really made my time abroad (and after) extremely special.

I studied at Goldsmiths University in London, England. The University was very unique with students all over the world in my classes. I would describe the University as very artsy and unique. My professors were quite brilliant, the campus was beautiful, and London was incredible. Studying abroad in England was the best decision I ever made. You meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures, and make incredible memories. The education over there is top notch and the people are very kind. I traveled to nine different countries while studying abroad and I do not regret studying in London because it became my favorite city.

London was an amazing place to study abroad, I had no idea I would fall in love with a place the way I fell in love with London. CAPA was a wonderful program. I learned so much in my international marketing class and they could not hove found me a more perfect internship. Leaving London was one of the saddest things I have done, if it were up to me and not my 4-tier VISA I would have stayed forever.

My semester in London with CAPA was the best time of my life thus far. I loved the city, the people and the CAPA school. The classes I took with CAPA were some of my favorite courses I have taken in my college career. While they were not as academically challenging as I am used to from my home school, the experience was much greater and well-rounded than what I can achieve in the States. I chose 2 of my courses at CAPA specifically for the trips because I wanted to be able to learn from the city as much as possible. My classes really took advantage of the fact that we were in London, which I loved. The most trips I got to take was with 20th and 21st Century Modern Art. Every other week we were going to the National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts or the Tate, and then we were back in the classroom for the next. There is nothing on the same level as learning about Van Gogh in class and then visiting that painting in a gallery the next. One of my favorite trips was through British Broadcasting Today. Near the end of the semester we toured the BBC, rehearsed a radio show and were the audience for “The One Show” that night. My first time on television, and it was in the UK! Just being in the BBC was a dream for me, and it was one of the greatest experiences CAPA gave me during my short 4 months in London.

Going abroad with CEA in London was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff is fantastic and know the ins and outs of London and the program. They help you with any questions or concerns you have and they also set you free into the city with all the tools you need to have fun and succeed. I was terrified my first week in London but the CEA staff coordinates events with the entire group and everyone became really great friends by the end of the program and I made friends for life who live miles away.

London is an amazing city overflowing with things to do, and even I felt overwhelmed by the options! The history of the city, and the culture of all the different boroughs is really interesting to learn about and explore. All of the pubs, restaurants, museums, are top notch.

The school itself is good, although I did have a few concerns with grading and was confused as to how grades were calculated in the UK and how they transferred back home. The professors were good at lecturing but be prepared for a schooling system very different from one you're used to in the States.

The CAPA London Internship Program is a great opportunity for students to gain international internship experience. There are placement options for students of all majors. The professional connections and skills gained through my experience were invaluable to my professional development. Participating in CAPA's internship program is vital to one's cultural immersion in London. Due to the fact that students live and take classes with other American students, aside from interacting professors and those you meet on the street, the relationships students form with their coworkers will be their best exposure to British culture. If you are looking to only take classes, I recommend studying abroad at a university in London, not with a study abroad only program, like CAPA. Living in London allows students to observe the vast cultural differences in London. You can turn the corner and feel like you are in a different country. Classes are immersed in study abroad. Students can take theater classes that include excursions to see plays and tour theaters on the West End. Additionally, the Analyzing and Exploring London class allows students to gain first-hand knowledge of the issues Londoners have been faced with past and present. Living conditions are far superior to those of other students living in London. Apartments are spacious and are cleaned once a week by a cleaning service. I had the opportunity to live in Camden Town, a bustling center of counter culture. There was always something to do; there is access to eateries, a supermarket, a pharmacy, a cell phone service, and the infamous Camden Market is right around the corner. The social life in London was great. There is plenty of time to explore the pubs and go clubbing on the weekends. The CAPA London student council puts on great social events, such as a boat party on the River Thames. I met some great friends through my time at CAPA London. Overall, I would give CAPA London a 9/10. I really had a great experience. I learned a lot and have a ton of fond memories. I would not trade my study abroad experience for the world.

There is something about London that completely captivates you, body and soul. Every student falls in love with their study abroad city, but I can honestly say it's rare to find people who love their city as much as Londoners. From the food to the music, the art to the architecture, there is always something to see or do in London. The CEA On-Site Director, Cassandra, makes studying in London both fun and educational.

They say that when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. It couldn't be more true.

My study abroad experience with CAPA London was better than I ever anticipated. You hear of a lot of people who go abroad and say it was a "life-changing experience." And this really is the case for me. The CAPA staff, in London and Boston, were extremely helpful each step of the way--from the application to commencement. I absolutely loved living in London. The flats in Shepherd's Bush were in a good part of town and Tube stations were easily accessible. They also pay for your transportation within London which is really helpful. I took Advertising in Britain and British Broadcasting Today and found both of the classes to be beneficial. We could actually go on field trips in the city and see concepts we had been learning in class. My favorite was visiting the BBC.They also have great connections within the city for internships. For example, I am a tv broadcast major and interned at a local tv station that broadcasts charities. However, probably the best part of CAPA for me was the cultural activities and My Education Events. These were planned events or excursions led by CAPA. For instance, I saw Les Miserables, went to a rugby match, took walking tours of various neighborhoods, and took a boat cruise down the Thames. After 3 months of living in London, I didn't want to leave and I wouldn't trade my experience with CAPA for anything.