Why inspired you to apply for an international program?
I knew I wanted to study abroad when I went away to college because I knew I wanted and needed an experience out of my comfort zone- one that would allow me to grow as a person and a professional.
Why did you choose CAPA The Global Education Network?
I chose CAPA because of their balance with internship placements, course offerings, and activities around their global cities.
I got to walk past Big Ben everyday on my way to my internship site!
What was your favorite part about London?
I loved London because there's so much to do in the city! I knew I'd travel a lot around Europe on weekends, but I loved that the weekends I stayed in the city, I never ran out of things to see and do around London. London really is the perfect mix of past and present, and its reputation for being a business capital really attracted me there to intern.
What sets CAPA The Global Education Network apart from other study and internship programs abroad?
CAPA is unique because of how much they genuinely care about providing students with a holistic study abroad experience. All the advisors I work with before going, when I was there, and since returning have been so helpful and encouraging.
Furthermore, during my time in London, CAPA provided me with an incredible internship, three great academic courses that I learned a lot from and brought back with me to America, and many trips around the city that I could always look forward to and enjoy. They also really cared about making sure if we wanted to travel we knew what to do and gave us advice on where to go. Their travel fair was super helpful! I also really appreciated the unlimited Zones 1&2 Tube pass they provide with the program. I know a lot of my friends studying abroad in London didn't have that luxury, and it made getting around the city easy and carefree.
Canary Wharf - a photo from a field study we went on with one of my CAPA courses!
How did the local CAPA staff support you during your program?
The CAPA staff in London really know a lot about the city. I loved that the staff at the front desk and my professors could give me recommendations for their favorite places around the city to eat at (or just to enjoy and visit)!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I think I did the best I could, traveling half of my weekends and staying in London the other half. At the same time, I had a gap of free time in between my two classes on Tuesdays and I always just went for lunch, but I wish I used those hours to explore more of London. It would have been nice to visit a museum or take the Tube somewhere new!
How was your program organized?
A typical Monday/Wednesday would consist of me waking up at 8 a.m., getting on the Tube by 8:30 a.m., and interning a full nine-to-five day, with a one-hour break for lunch at my internship site with my team. While interning, I would either have a list of tasks to complete from the previous day I worked, or I'd enjoy sitting with my supervisor to find out what I could do to assist the finance teams' financial operations functions. Every day was a bit different with what I was doing and that's honestly what I loved about it. I never got handed a task I didn't understand. My team was very helpful in making sure I knew about the full operation and how my responsibilities fit into that.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I would be in class from 9:30 a.m. until 12:20 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. I enjoyed my global supply chains class the best, which counted towards my business major.
My walk into the CAPA center!
What was your favorite aspect of your program, apart from the actual school and internship work?
Outside of my normal day-to-day schedule, I loved the various activities CAPA put on for us. At the beginning, we had a traditional afternoon tea after our orientation sessions, which was awesome! They taught us all about the significance of the tradition in England. I also love Curry Night, which CAPA did for us twice during the semester. They bring us all to a curry restaurant in the city and we learned a lot about that traditional as well. It was delicious and I enjoyed how much they taught us about how popular curry is in London.
What kind of accommodation did you have in London?
I was not in CAPA's housing. I had a flat in Bloomsbury through Acorn Housing, which was specific to my school. I loved the location! We were a street away from the British Museum and a quick commute both to my internship and to the CAPA center!
How has your time with CAPA The Global Education Network in London impacted your life at home?
My internship really impacted my career goals. I've gained a new interest in supply chain from the course I took abroad, but my internship opened my eyes up to accounting systems in the hospitality industry. I'm looking into career opportunities in that industry in the US now!
