Why did you decide to apply for an international program?
I decided to apply for an international program because I believe it is vital for me to experience life outside of my comfort zone and to learn from the world around me, not just out of a textbook or in a classroom.
Stonehenge Rocks!
What made you choose to go abroad with CAPA The Global Education Network?
I chose CAPA because of the opportunity I had to have an internship abroad. The professional experience I gained there was paramount to my professional development.
What was your favorite part about living in London?
I loved living in a big city. Taking the Tube to class and work allowed me to experience life as a Londoner, rather than a tourist.
What surprised you most about London?
I was surprised by the cultural diversity that London has to offer. I think the media portrays London as a very British city, while in all actuality, London is quite culturally diverse. No two neighborhoods are they same and there are extreme socioeconomic differences there.
What makes CAPA The Global Education Network’s programs different from other study abroad programs?
My program is unique due to the fact that students have the opportunity to intern and gain relevant professional experience in the field in which they study.
Chelsea vs. Tel Aviv
How supportive was the local staff during your time in London?
The local support staff at CAPA London was great. They were there whenever we needed them and always had our best interest in mind. Additionally, they always gave great recommendations as to how we could spend our free time in the city.
Describe your average day in London.
I would wake up and take the Tube to either class or work. I would enjoy lunch at one of London's finest markets with my coworkers. Sometimes, I even got to explore London's attractions for my classes. After work or school, I had the time to explore the city, work on homework, hang out with friends, or go to a pub. I had very few dull moments when I was in London.
What was your favorite thing to do when you weren’t interning or studying?
My favorite thing to do while I was abroad was to travel on the weekends. Throughout my semester I traveled to 16 different cities in 10 different countries across Europe.
Where did you live in London? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a flat in Camden Town with three other guys from my school in the U.S. The rest of the building was populated with other American study abroad students as well. I liked that it was clean, spacious, and had all the amenities a college student could ask for. It was great because it was close to a Tube stop. The world was at my fingertips.
Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to London?
Less is more. Only bring items that you absolutely know you will need. Do not over-pack because you will buy many souvenirs for yourself and others and if you don't have room for them, you will be stuck having to throw away items that you might need once you return home.
Roommates at Tower Bridge
What is one regret you have about your time abroad?
I wish I would have been able to interact more with British students.
What was the hardest part about studying and interning abroad?
The toughest part about studying abroad was time management. It was definitely an adjustment to have to balance internship work with schoolwork, in addition to making time for exploring London and traveling throughout Europe on the weekends!
What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying and interning abroad in the United Kingdom?
I wish I had been more educated of how current events impacted London and the UK prior to studying abroad. I really needed to pay attention to the news to have a firm understanding of what was going on "across the pond." However, I am happy that I was exposed to many surprises while I was there.
I learned a lot of what I know about London and the UK from first hand experiences, rather than from out of a textbook or from news sources.
How has your experience with CAPA The Global Education Network changed you as a person?
I look back on my experience with a smile on my face. My experience opened up my mind to a whole new world of opportunities. I believe I can do anything and that I would be comfortable taking a job anywhere after graduation. My experience made me aware of cultures different than my own. I cannot wait to travel more in the future.
If you could participate in another study abroad program, where would you go?
If I were to have the opportunity to study abroad again, I would go to Prague. Over my fall break, I spent three days in Prague, and I absolutely loved it. The city is beautiful and clean, the people are nice, and the exchange rate is very kind to travelers from the United States.
