CAPA WORLD

In her first post, Lizzy opens up about her reasons for studying abroad and the steps she took to make it possible to accommodate her cystic fibrosis. She did her research and prepared ahead of time to be an informed traveler and find solutions that worked best for her medically. Read on to see how Lizzy traveled all the way to Sydney without a hitch!

On my list of requirements for potential colleges, amongst many others like having a smaller-sized student body and a drivable distance to home, it was a must to have the option of study abroad. One of the reasons I chose Providence College was because they offered the help and resources to make this dream of mine come true. I knew I wanted to travel to somewhere warm with easy access to the water and that was English-speaking, so Australia was the move! CAPA’s tolerable team based in Boston has answered every single of my silly questions and has made it so that when I arrive I know I will have the support system I need, from academics to doctors. They also give the opportunity to complete an internship which was important to me, as I hope to not only grow personally and as a student but in the professional setting in a foreign country.

The availability of modern healthcare and the ability to communicate how I am feeling without a language barrier is crucial for me because I have a chronic illness called cystic fibrosis. Making studying abroad in Australia become a reality is a personal achievement of mine because not only did I have to keep up academically, but I had to make sure to keep up with my health regimen to be able to stay healthy while I’m across the world.

Sooner is better than later when it comes to getting ready for your study abroad semester. In her first post, Kara takes us through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and have a seamless pre-departure experience before you get on your flight to your global city. Spoiler alert: this list will let you know the 9 things you must  absolutely do to get everything sorted—from passports to courses to insurance and medications!

Planning to study abroad in Australia next semester but don’t know where to start? Read on for 9 things you can do right now to get started.

(Note: Although the following content is tailored to the CAPA Sydney program, the basics can still be applied when studying abroad in other locations or with a different institution.)

In her first post, Sarah makes a case for preparing everything early—from applying to study abroad and collating documents to packing for your needs. Check out some of these lessons and save yourself from several headaches as you get ready for a new semester abroad!

(Original illustrations by Sarah Mai)

There seemed to be an endless list of things to do before my flight off to London. When I completed one task, three more appeared in my email inbox. Determined to complete everything on my own, I worked through each of the steps of pre-departure, ending up finishing my task list the morning of my flight day—which I do not recommend (more on that in a second). Despite my shortcomings, there was light at the end of the tunnel, and I learned some very important lessons before I set my feet on British soil.

In her first vlog of the semester, CAPA Florence student Oriana Garcia outlines the 3 areas you need to focus on to prepare for a semester in Florence: how to plan financially, how to get your visa, and how to pack!

In their first vlog of the semester, Emma talks about the process of buying plane tickets and applying for her visa to study abroad and intern in London, England this spring. She's gets real about the dos and don'ts of the process - so make sure to watch through!

Whether you're snapping photos to share with your favorite people, keep for memories, or do it for the 'gram, there are simple methods you can follow for a great shot. In this week's post, Payton shares 3 vital tips to help you level up your skills and take a great photos of your semester abroad and travels. So, go out, experience your new city—and don't forget to take photos!

Here’s my take on how to get good photos of your experience while traveling/studying abroad, for your blog or just for the memories! 

In this week's post, Rachel Epp answers 5 questions from a CAPA program assistant about her time in Shanghai, China, what her favorite memories were, what she learned, and how she changed. 

Want some advice from someone who's been there and done that in London? In her final post, Maisie counts down her top 10 takeaways from her time abroad. Read on to anticipate and prepare for activities abroad such as visiting art exhibitions, attending music shows, and finding a late night place to study. Are you ready to see what's in store? The countdown starts now.

In this week's post, Ellen Anderson reflects on her semester in London, discussing highlights, how she's grown, and what her semester abroad means to her. She also shares some thoughtful advice for future CAPA London students, so make sure to watch!

In this week's post, Casey gets candid about managing her mental health while balancing studying, interning, and living in a new country. Here are some tips and coping strategies she's discovered and used to have an amazing and successful time in Dublin. Casey also lists some options for support while abroad.

When I first looked into studying abroad, I had to ask myself if I could handle it. Studying abroad is known to put you out of your comfort zone and test your limits. I didn’t know if I was ready for that type of experience. Many people ponder this question before choosing to go abroad, it sometimes even stops them from ever applying. People with mental or physical illnesses ponder this question a lot more. For me, I have been handling anxiety and an eating disorder for multiple years. Due to that reason, I wasn’t sure that I could study abroad. I had problems in the past being too far from home and adjusting to a new way of life. That feeling would be magnified twenty times if I decided to study abroad for a semester. I have found coping strategies from therapy and my everyday experience, and I felt confident enough I could transfer these strategies while I was abroad, which is why I did make it to Dublin this semester.