Why did you decide to study abroad with CAPA International Education in London?
Kiley: Even before I came to college I knew that I wanted to study abroad at some point during my college career; I just did not know where I wanted to study. During the summer of 2012, I visited London and Paris, but I really fell in love with the city of London. I then began researching programs that have London as their location.
I came across CAPA International Education and it was exactly what I was looking for and more. The school consisted of many business classes that focused on international concepts as well as those relating to England. And talking CAPA alumni, I concluded that the classes did not consist of enormous amounts of work, so that we were able to explore new places. This was a big factor for me when I chose CAPA, because I love traveling and exploring and I wanted to have the ability to experience this during my time abroad.
It was an even bigger bonus when I saw that CAPA provided internships with their program and that is what set them apart from many other institutions. Even before going abroad, I knew that I did not want to do a homestay option; I either wanted to live on a campus in the doors or have the option of staying in an apartment. And that was exactly what CAPA provided us the option of doing.
What made this experience unique and special?
Kiley: My study abroad experience was very unique and special in many ways and CAPA International Education was a huge part of this achievement. CAPA organized many events that included thing such a day trips, walking tours, and cultural events that helped me and other students connect to the British Culture, London and the rest of Britain. I saw places that I would have probably not otherwise seen if I were not with CAPA such as Stratford Upon Avon and Kenilworth Castle.
Also, Imperial College is partnered with CAPA, so we could mingle with British students and other international students through benefits such as being able to use their lounge and join their club and sports teams. So, even though I was going to school with all American students, all my teachers and CAPA staff were British with the addition of Imperial College students adding to my British culture and experience.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
Kiley: The Fall 2013 in London impacted me in so many ways and I made so many memories that I will cherish forever. I grew so much personally, being in a new country on my own and learning to adapt to the new culture and all the little things. During my time abroad, I experience a variety of new cultures in London, all around England and the rest of Europe. And I really became more open-minded and began wanting to learn all these little things I was noticing about every culture.
The internship that CAPA helped provide me grow so much professionally because I had to learn to adapt to a whole new work culture that is surprisingly much different from the American one. I learned a lot about myself professionally that was due to just simply having an internship as well as working in a different country. I made so many bonds and connections with the people that I worked with and I am so grateful to have worked with them. And through my academic experience I have been able to think on a global scale that has really helped me improve my academics and my academic thinking. My classes helped me think outside of the US and concentrate on London and the rest of the world and be able to apply it to my academics and this has been so beneficial to my current academics.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in London?
Kiley: To anyone thinking of studying abroad in London, take your time and consider what your priorities and goals are from studying abroad. And if you have goals that are similar to what mine were, CAPA International Education is the right program for you. And during your time abroad, do not waste a minute; it will be the best experience of your college career I promise you.
Get outside and see everything because you are never going to have this amount of time in London again. Make a list of everything that you want to do and see so that you make sure you do not miss anything. But, most of all go in there with an open mind, you are going to meet so many different kinds of people and see numerous cultures and to get the full extent you have to keep an open mind to everything. If you are even slightly thinking about studying abroad, just do it.