CEA CAPA Education Abroad in London, England

I absolutely loved my experience with CAPA! I had great roommates in my flat in Camden Town which is a really lively place to live and there's a ton to see and do just within the three blocks of where I lived. The tours and day trips they organized were tons of fun and got me closer with my classmates who are now some of my best friends and we are already planning trips to continue traveling together. The staff at CAPA was amazing and really supportive with anything I needed from being sick and losing my voice during presentation week, to losing my phone, to just sitting and talking to me about what I wanted to do with my career and how they can help me get there. I also LOVED my internship and stay in contact with the people I worked with as they might be expanding parts of their organization to the US and have invited me to work with them if they do! Going abroad with CAPA was the best thing I've ever done and I would do it again without a doubt

I had the opportunity to study abroad with CAPA in London in the spring of 2018. Deciding to study abroad was definitely out of my comfort zone but I knew I had to take the leap to further my learning and I am very glad I did. CAPA was very hands on throughout the whole application and pre departure process. I received a number of materials that answered all of my questions prior to crossing the pond. I wasn't very close with anyone else from my school who went to London but CAPA helped me find my community through my roommates, classmates, and also through cultural and social events put on throughout the semester. There were a number of walking and boat tours around the city and events such as curry nights and tea and biscuits in the CAPA center every Tuesday. These events gave us a little taste of the city and British culture. It is important to immerse yourself in the culture of your host country to get the most out of your experience. I even got sick while I was in London and the CAPA staff helped me book a doctors appointment right away, they were very helpful. Throughout my new living and learning environment in London, I was able to learn a lot about myself and the world around me. My experience abroad even led me to a career path in global education. I would love to work for CAPA one day and maybe even move back to London :)

Studying abroad in London has been a dream of mine since the beginning of High School. I've always thought I could learn so much more by going somewhere new and studying/interning. Also, an international internship on my resume? Heck yes! That looks awesome. That being said, my University has a program in London; however, they are renovating the place we normally stay in, so we studied abroad with CAPA instead. I was a bit hesitant because I was looking forward to studying abroad with my University's program, but the CAPA program was more than I every could have dreamt! They matched me with my absolute dream internship, and half of my classes during the semester were outside of the classroom, exploring different parts of London. The professors and staff at CAPA were super helpful (seriously, ask them for advice/places to eat/things to do!!), and my commute on the tube became one of my favorite parts of the day. I highly recommend trying to live in London, not just be a tourist there for 3 months. Find a local coffee shop that you love. Visit non-touristy parts of the city (Richmond is beautiful!). Embrace this experience-- everything that's fun, and hard, and incredibly about it. You won't regret it!

My study abroad experience was unique because I did a homestay in a city where people mostly live in an apartment. I was able to make friends with the locals and really immerse myself in the culture. I traveled to various countries and soaked in their culture and traditions. I recommend future students to get out of your comfort zone and visit as many places as you can. Try doing a solo trip because chances are that people your age are also doing the same thing. After my study abroad, semester it motivated me to work abroad and pursue a higher education in another country. I had so many great memories in each country and tried so many new foods. I recommend packing light, so you can room for more things to bring back home. I also recommend getting acquainted with the cities transportation to avoid getting lost.

CAPA gave me the opportunity to intern abroad in a field of my choice. They did all of the work for me in terms of finding me a company to work with and finding a supervisor for me to work under. All I had to do was tell them my preference for field work (which I put HR - human resources) and they took care of the rest for me. CAPA was awesome because they provided support to me throughout the whole way. They paid for all of my transportation which was a huge lifesaver.
The company I worked for was IHG, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and my team and supervisor were all amazing in helping me to assimilate to the life of London and the life of working in London. Being able to gain work experience in a different country was absolutely amazing and it was a phenomenal opportunity. I was able to work in a team of 6 and gained a ton of experience in the field of Human Resources. My workplace was extremely diverse which was really cool to experience, especially coming from a predominantly white community. The friendships, experience, and everything I had the opportunity to be a part of was amazing and if I could do it all again I would. Thank you to CAPA for providing me with the opportunity!

Learning through CAPA London was the most beneficial experience I could have asked for. The professors were passionate about their classes and made the syllabus straight forward. I learned far more than I expected and was able to engage in the environment and feel like a part of the culture in London. I discovered a lot about myself and came home the best version of myself that I could be. I honestly felt like a resident of the city by the time I was leaving. It felt like I was leaving home when I was returning to the United States.

CEA London was challenging, incredibly beautiful, and the trip of a lifetime. London was the perfect destination for me considering my criminal justice major. The city is the birthplace of everything that makes the criminal justice system was founded from. London is also a hotpot of cultures ready to push me out of my small town comfort zone.

The CEA staff in London were always accommodating, truly listened, and cared for us while we were there. I can't believe what they had on their plate. It all seemed effortless from our end. We witnessed the hiccups they had to deal with and accommodate, through no fault of their own, with ease.

I was placed in a huge flat with four other girls in a two bedroom/two bathroom. Our placement was providential! I was in a room with Megan and we got along famously. Along with the three girls in the other room we had almost NO snags when it came to getting along. We often did things together and remained connected afterward.

I cannot say enough how the excursions included really rounded out the study abroad experience. Musicals in Piccadilly Circus, Jack the Ripper walk, boat tours, grand skyscraper views, museum tours, and more! This freed my time to try and make real connections with the community in London. I didn't have to worry I may be missing out on tourist destinations. I made real connections with Londoners that will last a lifetime. Even though the culture of the area can be standoffish once you break through their shyness it is rewarding.

The academics through CEA were intellectually invigorating. The teachers were top notch. The outings included within those courses were also very stimulating culturally as well as intellectually.

Before going on this program, I have never been out of the country before. coming into this program was a nerve racking yet exciting experience. I love London and everything the city has to offer. CAPA did a great job of making us feel welcome and allowing us to be independent while also helping us to navigate the city. All in all, I would say that study abroad has been a huge commitment but I think it was definitely worth it. the friends and memories I have made in my short time here are something I never want to forgot. I am excited to share my experiences and memories with you all while I continue on this amazing journey.