CAPA Study Abroad Blog

Alice Ding

7 Takeaways from My Study Abroad Experience

Aug 6, 2018 10:30:00 AM / by Alice Ding

Alice Ding is an official CAPA blogger for summer 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Computer Science and Marketing major at Northeastern University, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In her last post, Alice reflects on her semester abroad in London and 7 important things she's taken away from this experience, including some of the challenges she has overcome.

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My study abroad experience has been everything that I’ve imagined and more. While I can’t exactly say that my life is forever changed and I’m a completely different person, I can say that it was an experience that I’d highly recommend to anyone and everyone and that I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I’ve fallen in love with London and am keen on visiting again, whether it be for more school or just for travel.

CAPAStudyAbroad_London_Summer2018_From Alice Ding - In Front of Tower Bridge This was from my first weekend in London on the bus tour provided by CAPA.
How time flies!

In general, though, to sum my experience up as best I can, here are 7 takeaways from my study abroad semester in London as well as some of the challenges I faced along the way.

Posted in: London, England, Personal Learning, Reflection

A Neighborhood Tour Around Goldhawk and Shepherd's Bush

Jul 30, 2018 10:30:00 AM / by Alice Ding

In this week's post, Alice shows us around her neighborhood in Goldhawk, along with the amenities, shopping, and dining options that are conveniently nearby.

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Goldhawk.

It's more than just the name of a Tube station or road for me, it was my home away from home for my study abroad adventure. After hours of exploring the city, learning in class, or just doing whatever students abroad do, coming home to my flat in the quiet, quaint area of Shepherd’s Bush was more than welcoming and home-y enough for me.

Sainsbury's Local in Goldhawk
The gate leading to our flat and the closest grocery store: Sainsbury's Local.
Quiet convenient, isn't it? Right next door!

Goldhawk has some fantastic amenities nearby. From a grocery store being to our right, one of London’s amazing markets being on our left as well as Tube station and bus stop right out front, we truly were very lucky to be in such a convenient spot.

Posted in: London, England, Accommodation Abroad, Environment

10 Sweet-Tooth Cures You Can Find in London

Jul 16, 2018 10:30:00 AM / by Alice Ding

Alice is an official CAPA blogger for summer 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Computer Science and Marketing major at Northeastern University, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Alice lists 10 desserts that reflect the global tastes of London with a guarantee to cure your sweet cravings abroad.

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It’s no secret to those who know me that I have a huge sweet tooth. During my time in London, I’ve gotten some sort of dessert at least once every 2 days; so much for eating healthy, right? In the heat of London’s summer though, I cannot say no to ice cream or any other sweet dessert, especially if it’s sold on almost every corner of the city. Through traveling to different areas of London, I’ve experienced several different types of desserts and ways to cure my sweet tooth, and not just the frozen dairy treat that everyone loves. Check it out!

CAPAStudyAbroad_London_Summer2018_From Alice Ding - The Green Dough

1. The Green Dough

Located amongst Camden Market’s many food stalls is The Green Dough, a true diamond in the rough. As the first vegan cookie stand I’ve ever seen, the service provided by the men who worked there was phenomenal and the dessert to die for; how it was vegan I have no idea, but each bite was a taste of heaven. You can have the dough as is or they can bake Careful though, they’re cash only so come prepared! They allow free samples of their flavors as well and have a variety of toppings to choose from; truly decadent.