A London Adventure

By Jaclyn Nicolosi

To read Jaclyn’s previous posts about getting ready to study abroad click here and then here.

So here I am!

I know it has been awhile, but now is the time I can tell you how everything fell into place. I have been abroad for 6 weeks at this point. I believe I left you with what needs to happen before you leave and the last minute stuff that needed to be completed. For example, finical aid meeting, last bit of orientation, and finishing the check list on the Study Abroad site. When these are completed the rest is to come. From this point you will receive information from the CIE office, the program of which you are working with, and the school informing you of schedules, dates and times, living arrangement, and so on.

Then you wait. That day will come when it is time to go to the airport and the rest is an adventure. I can tell you this is the best decision I have ever made.

First things first, CAPA International Education, the program I have chosen, is great. They are helpful, organized, welcoming, and so nice. They know what it is like to be abroad and have worked with American students for as long as they have been in business. This specific program houses and schools American students from all around America. I live in a flat with 5 other girls and the four flats above me participate in CAPA and are from the US. I am lucky to live only 10 minutes in walking distance from the school, others are not as fortunate, but nothing is more than 30 minutes away. The tube is so easy, easier and cleaner then the subway in New York.

I have been here for about 6 weeks as I said and I am already so comfortable. I know my way around, the tube is nice and easy, and I am very fortunate to have met such awesome people. This is an experience worth thinking about.

I will say it is hard to communicate home and to loved ones with the five hour time difference, but not impossible. Missing home and the people is totally normal and will happen; don’t worry, it happens to everyone. One helpful thing for sure is to Skype when you can and I, for one, blog to my family and friends. I miss Rider too, but this is so worth every minute, I can’t say that enough.

The classes here too are amazing, honestly. We take field trips that incorporate with the in-class sessions. I have been to places I knew I would not have seen myself without these field trips. I have been exploring a number of times and have found some of the best things.

I still sometimes can’t believe that I live in London. I can go home and say that I have lived in London at some point in my life and not many people can say that. If you are thinking about studying abroad, think harder and take the opportunity if time and credits allow.