CAPA WORLD

Mariah is an official CAPA blogger, sharing her story on CAPA World. A Journalism major at SUNY Purchase College, she is studying abroad in London.

In today's post, Mariah talks about her curiosity and interest in her new Shepherd's Bush neighborhood for the semester and shares some of the entrepreneurial stories that led to businesses in the area.

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When I arrived in Shepherd’s Bush, the neighborhood I was set to live in during my stay in London, I didn’t know what to expect.

Walk-through entrance to the study abroad accommodation area.

What kind of neighborhood is this? What kind of people live here? What should I expect?— were questions that ran through my mind as I google mapped the Goldhawk location in the comfort of my home, contemplating if the wide bricked drive thru and tall black gates was the entrance to my new temporary home.

To my utmost satisfaction and shock, it was.

Michaella Estevez is an official CAPA vlogger, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Marketing major at University of Massachusetts Amherst, she is studying abroad in Florence this semester.

In this today's post, Michaella shows us how she starts off a day in her life as a study abroad student in Florence as she makes her way to class.

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Thanks Michaella!

See more of Michaella's journey in Florence.

Michaella Estevez is an official CAPA vlogger, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Marketing major at University of Massachusetts Amherst, she is studying abroad in Florence this semester.

In this today's post, Michaella takes us on a trip to Capri and shows us the beautiful nature and scenic views of the island.

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Thanks Michaella!

See more of Michaella's journey in Florence.

Sydney Alderman is an official CAPA blogger, sharing her story on CAPA World. A Marketing and Global Management major at the University of Pittsburgh, she is studying abroad in Sydney.

In this week's post, Sydney recommends several things to do and places to visit and eat around the neighborhood of Ultimo in Sydney. 

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Now that I’ve been in Sydney for a little bit, I know my way around a few parts of the city, including Ultimo, the my neighborhood. One thing that the neighborhood has is the main campus for the University of Technology Sydney. One of the main buildings, the UTS Tower, is very recognizable due to its’ height and large UTS sign at the top of the building, and fortunately for me and the other CAPA students, only about a block from our residence. During our first few weeks here when we were figuring out our way around, we were able to look up for that tower and use it to find our bearings and help us make sure we were going in the right direction to get home. Ultimo also has the largest TAFE campus in New South Wales, which is also super close to my apartment and includes the CAPA Sydney building where I take classes.

A breakfast sandwich from Fork and Grind

As for food, one of my favorite places to eat (so far) and hands down one of the best cafes I’ve ever been to is in Ultimo. Behold, Fork and Grind. If I could franchise it and put it on my campus in Pittsburgh I would spend all of my savings and do it in a heartbeat. Because it’s so close to home and classes, we go pretty often, and I promise I have thoroughly sampled their menu.

Kelly is an official CAPA blogger, sharing her story on CAPA World. A Journalism major at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, she is studying abroad in London.

In this week's post, Kelly brings her best friend from the US around her neighborhood in Camden and takes in some of the deliciousness that Camden Market has to offer.

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While studying abroad, I have had the pleasure of enjoying a visit from one of my best friends, who also happens to be my number one travel buddy. She had been to London before coming to visit me but hadn’t been to the area I was living in. Camden is arguably one of the best places in London, so she was in for a treat. I am a tad biased considering I’ve lived here for almost four months, but there’s nothing to not love in Camden.

Me and my best friend who came to visit me in London.

When my friend arrived, the first thing I did was take her to the Camden Market. With endless food options including Crosstown Doughnuts, Buzzfeed’s named #1 UK dessert to try before you die, and countless shops that you never know what you’ll find in, she was sure to have an incredible experience. We had stellar grilled cheeses for lunch. Then we wandered in and out of the shops. She bought a couple of rings, and I had to restrain myself because I’ve bought too many things from there already.

Marianne Zarzar is an official CAPA blogger for summer 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance major at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, she is studying abroad in Sydney this semester.

In this week's post, Marianne shows us 10 beautiful places with the best views and photo spots around Sydney.

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One of the reasons why I have loved Australia so much is because of its shockingly beautiful landscapes and views. Because I think Australia is utterly stunning and I wanted to share it with everyone, I had the idea to create this top 10 list of views in Australia. I hope this list gives you an idea of how beautiful Australia is, and makes you fall in love with it as much as I did!

1. On the Ferry to Manly

A sunset by the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

You can either cruise on a regular ferry to one of the prettiest beaches and beach towns in Australia, or choose to take a fast ferry to Manly. Either way, you will be able to enjoy one of the best views of both the Harbour bridge and the Opera House. The ferries take you up close to both of best known views of Sydney, so you will be able to take close up pictures that are Instagram- and postcard-worthy. Make sure to also take the ferry ride at night to get a different, and also equally beautiful view of the city.

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 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.

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.

Rachel is an official CAPA vlogger for summer 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Visual Media major at Auburn University, she is studying abroad in Dublin this semester.

In this week's post, Rachel takes us on a tour of where she attends her classes at Griffith College. She also gives us a look at what the campus looks like and where she usually frequents.

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Thanks Rachel!

Rachel's journey continues every Friday so stay tuned.

Kelly is an official CAPA blogger for spring 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Journalism major at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Kelly shares how she uses all five of her senses to observe and associate with London.

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After living in London for a couple of weeks now, I’ve made some observations about the city. Whether I’m on my daily commute to CAPA or to my internship site, I’ve encountered recurring sights and developed associations with certain smells. I’ve noticed the sounds of the city, or lack thereof below it. I’ve allowed my taste buds to indulge in the endless food options at Camden Market. I’ve even noticed textural differences in London life compared to other cities.

I first noticed how cars work in the city. Apart from the obvious fact that they drive on the left side of the road, cars parallel park extremely close together here. I’m sure that happens in other cities around the world, but what’s intriguing about the way cars park here is that they park in any direction they want. That means that cars are parked, and they’re not all facing in the same direction. Some cars are parked facing the front of another car. It’s fascinating, really. Parallel parking remains stressful enough. If you’re coming from the opposite side of the road and are trying to maneuver your way in, you’d probably have to possess a decent amount of skill and a calm head in the face of anxiety-inducing situations.

Michaella Estevez is an official CAPA vlogger for spring 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Marketing major at University of Massachusetts Amherst, she is studying abroad in Florence this semester.

In this week's post, Michaella brings us along on her tour of Florence with stops at Piazzale Michelangelo, the Duomo, Downtown Florence, and Ponte Vecchio.

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Thanks Michaella!

Michaella's journey continues every Tuesday so stay tuned.