CEA CAPA Education Abroad in London, England

So this was my first travel abroad anything, so I was really nervous. The instructions by CAPA on how to get to my accomidaitons were on point from the get go. I was able to make it to my residence safe and fast. They were also very accomidating since I was arriving a day late. All in all CAPA set me up with two classes that were relevant to my degree, as well as an internship. The classes weren't to stringent as far as the work load. They were pretty strict on the attendance of the classes though. The internship was GREAT that they set me up with. I being a psychology and sociology major was set up working at a community youth organization in Camden Town. I had the most rewarding experiences working with my internship. The staff, volunteers, and kids i got to know were amazing. I was able to go on trips with them and help them with community projects. I became and inspiration to the at risk youth I was serving--an experience that I will always cherish professionally and personally.

The overall CAPA experience was great though. They had many structured events and tours that were spread out all throughout my study abroad. I was able to see some of the touristy sites with the group of CAPA students that I otherwise probably would not have seen. It was great too!!

As far as my living accomidations and such, they were fairly impressive. I didn't know what to expect walking into my residence and when I did I felt right at home. The only thing about the residence was that I was able to make friends with everyone staying in and around my flat building, but the other CAPA students where were located on the other side of town or in homestays I wasn't able to connect with as easily. All in all though it was fun and easygoing. Also CAPA gives you a 40 pound stipend each week which helped with the food costs and other miscellaneous expenditures I had.

I honestly didn't have many difficulties if any. I am personally an independent and well supported individual so I didn't have any of the common difficulties that some may of had. There were a couple instances where others in the progam had been victims of petty theft but that was always during big events unassociated with CAPA.

If I could offer a piece of advice to anyone considering traveling abroad, HAVE FUN! You make your experience not anybody else! Enjoy!

The best things about the program are all of the events and activities CAPA offers to students and really encourages to take part in. Many of them focus on culture and diversity, which a cool and unique aspect because the events aren't just touristy. The classes and professors that teach them are also really great at encouraging (and even requiring) students to get out and experience London.

My particular internship was a good placement for my and I gained really beneficial skills that have already helped me land interviews.

I studied abroad with CAPA International Education during the Fall 2012 semester and could not be happier with my decision. I chose the program mostly due to the internship component and was very happy with my placement; the program has a whole staff for internships alone and students are placed with companies based on their interests and future goals. Most people I talked to were relatively happy with their placement. I loved going abroad with other Americans to have that familiarity when in a foreign country. I also loved having such a great staff there if I had questions or needed help with something, which I did a number of times over the semester. The housing was really nice and well-maintained, with maintenance and cleaning in the building all the time. My flat was located about 10 minutes from the CAPA center, which was really convenient, but there were buildings in multiple London neighborhoods. I always felt safe in my neighborhood. The classes were pretty low-stress- once a week, three hours long, and no excessive work.

The Internship was an amazing experience. CAPA has great connections in their cities. I loved all my experiences and opportunities that were available through CAPA and my internship.

The courses where taught by British Professors, who were very knowledgeable and passionate about their subject. They do hold you to the high standard of academics in Britain. They are very paper, essay exams, and presentation oriented instead of multiple choice exams. The classes are all American students, but students get a student card from the nearby University, Imperial College, in order to join clubs, teams, and social events. CAPA also has "MyEducation" events that bring students into cultural activities.

The CAPA advisers where extremely nice and helpful. Many of the staff where previously students on the program and are willing to help students in anyway. They also have great advise and suggestions for the city and travel. The administration is also very strict. They have man rules and they do not mess around. You will get sent home if you disobey. There is also a very strict attendance policy. They do have a good orientation that helps new students fully understand the rules, safety, and opportunities of the program and city.

CAPA International Education Program was an incredible experience. I actually felt excited to get up and leave the house every morning, no matter how early, even on days full of classes. The program offered so many opportunities to get out and see the country, including tours of London, as well as a trip fair at which you could plan student tours to other countries as well.
In terms of day-to-day life, CAPA offered its students housing in either a host family's home or in student flats (apartments) in different neighborhoods in London. To those in the flats, they gave a weekly 40 pound stipend for groceries, and those in host's homes were provided food by the families. In addition, each student is given an unlimited oyster card for the length of their stay. All of this was included in the tuition paid for the program before departure.
CAPA also had an amazing internship program in which students were placed at top-rated companies for work. It was affiliated with Imperial college, one of London's top universities, which allowed for socialization beyond our American classmates to other students in England with whom we may not have otherwise socialized.
All-in-all, they create a program that is unforgettable and well worth the money.

Everyday I took the subway (known as the Tube) to either classes or my internship. Sometimes I took the bus. Commuting everyday made me feel like an actual Londoner, which was a really unique experience. I don't think I ever really felt like a student studying abroad because I was immersed in London's day-to-day culture and not so much academia.

When I first arrived in London, I already had the odds against me. I was with people that were not from my school because I had done the program through another institution (SUNY Oswego--I am from SUNY Binghamton). I knew it was going to be a challenge to reach out amongst my new peers; not only that but to adjust to an entirely new city. The first weeks were tough and I even had to switch into a home stay due to difficulties in my apartment, but the CAPA staff was 100% supportive and was always there to help with any little issue I had at all. They assigned me to a host family that not only was very sweet and caring but also shared my interests of politics, television, and sports -rugby! The Tube was very simple to learn to navigate; getting to class was a piece of cake and was centered in one of the most beautiful parts of the city, South Kensington. The classes I took were all relevant to my studies back home and each Professor was unique in their own way in terms of teaching style. One of the best parts about this program is our access to the clubs/societies at the Imperial College of London where you are free to join various organizations to meet local students in the area. I joined the debate society and have made life long friends from it that I keep in touch with. The other students in my program were also very diverse; there were students from California, Colorado, Missouri, Florida, Massachusetts, all over the states! You not only get to meet London Students, but students from around the States as well. The city is breathtaking and you are offered many cultural opportunities to experience all London has to offer. From trips to the Brewery, to Hikes around the financial district, I got to see more than I ever thought possible. Studying Abroad was the best decision I have made thus far in college and CAPA gave the proper experience any student should have.

I absolutely loved the CAPA London Program. I studied there in Fall of 2012. The staff is so helpful and nice. They gave us a lot of tips about London and traveling throughout Europe. As soon as we arrived, they made us feel at home. The classes we're helpful for my major, even being taught by British professors. We had great housing and I made some amazing friends. CAPA gave us a lot of opportunities to travel and do cultural things all throughout London such as Curry Night in Brick Lane, a river cruise and tour of Greenwich, A day trip to Stonehenge and Bath, and much more. We even had an organized weekend trip to Paris with the CAPA London Staff. It was amazing. I was also given the chance to do an internship and I learned so much and really enjoyed the internship and the people that I worked with. I don't have a bad thing to say about CAPA or their London program. It was an amazing experience and I wish I could go back already!