CEA CAPA WORLD

Cole Taylor is an official CAPA blogger for spring 2016, sharing their story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A journalism and media writing major at Lasell College, they are studying abroad in Dublin this semester.

In this week's post, Cole shares their favorite free apps that will come in handy if you're studying abroad in Dublin.

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When you think about study abroad, typically you are thinking about the paperwork, what to pack, what it will be like when you get there, etc. One thing you do not usually think about, or at least I did not, is smartphone apps. Which apps can help make your Dublin study abroad experience even better and more effective?

Check out the 10 apps that I find to be both entertaining and handy while abroad.

1. GOOGLE MAPS. Google Maps has saved my bacon several times since being in Dublin. Some people use the pre-installed GPS on their smartphone, but I found that Google Maps is more effective and user-friendly. When you open the app, it immediately prompts you to type in a destination and upon doing so, it will show you possible options of transportation in the lower right hand corner; bus, walk, car, or train. It also shows you in minutes how far the destination is from your current location. For Dublin travelers, this app is highly recommended because typically you will travel by bus quite often. When you select the bus option, a drop down list will appear with different bus numbers and routes that will get you there and how long it will take. In my opinion, I have yet to find anything negative about using this app. As long as you have data on your phone, it is the saving grace of all navigation apps.

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Alyssa Reimenschneider is an official CAPA blogger for fall 2015, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. An English Literature and Studio Art major at Albright College, she is studying abroad in London this fall.

Below, Alyssa takes us on a CAPA My Global Education adventure to London's South Bank.

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There is something magical about Southbank on a Sunday morning. Maybe it's the people of all ages that line the street, dressed in leather jackets and old jeans, playing guitars and accordions and saxophones for their chance at some loose change tossed into an overturned top hat. Maybe it's the colorfully graffitied backsides of art and theatre buildings, where low-capped teenagers flip their skateboards like pros. It could be the slightly salty breeze off the Thames that colors everything with freshness and fills the air with anticipation as you make your way down the crowded walk, taking in all the sights and smells and sounds of a busy hub of culture.

Feeling completely new, disoriented and ignorant in this vast city, I decided to try to familiarize myself with a part of it by taking advantage of CAPA's first My Global Education event: a Sunday morning walking tour of Southbank, an artsy segment of London across the river from Big Ben and Westminster. We started off at Westminster tube station (another first for me), where we had a breathtaking view of the London Eye rising over the Thames. With Big Ben looming over our heads, we crossed the bridge towards Southbank, weaving through tourists with cameras and crowds watching men performing card tricks.

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Emily Kearns is an official CAPA blogger for spring 2015, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A communications and business major at the University of Pittsburgh, she is studying abroad in Florence this semester.

In her post below, Emily shares her top 5 apps to use while studying abroad.

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While I mentioned in one of my posts how refreshing it is to be abroad and non-reliant on my iPhone at all times of the day, there are definitely times when it’s necessary to break out that handy-dandy little device.

I am oh-so-thankful for these five apps below, that have helped me in a countless number of ways!

1. GOOGLE MAPS. This app comes in handy so much, especially for people like me who are not so great at directions! On a beautiful day in Florence, it sometimes feels great to be lost and wander around; however, when it’s cold, dark and you can’t find your way back to your apartment, it’s nice to have a helping hand. I definitely recommend to anyone going abroad purchasing a phone/plan with at least some internet capability, even if it’s just to use for emergency situations like when you need to find your way home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Not so much in a small city, like Florence, but in bigger cities this app especially comes in handy because it can tell you exactly what bus, tram, or train to take to your destination as well as what times they run.

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