Study Abroad Fair Fall 2012

We had a blast at the fair! If you couldn't make it (or just want to see our smiling faces again :p) come out to our Spring 2013 fair in February!

Throwback Thursday: Foreign Fare

Yesterday was the second edition of Throwback Thursday! Here are the scrumptious snapshots you sent in!

The next Throwback Thursday's (10/25) theme is "Goofy Globetrotters". Send in pictures of you and your friends being silly all around the world!

To send in your photos on Instagram, use #NolesAbroad in the description. You can also submit them through our Facebook page or on Twitter (@fsuip) and we'll share them throughout the day! Get those pictures ready!

Throwback Thursday #1

Yesterday was Throwback Thursday! Here are the amazing pictures our students sent in:

If you want to participate in the next Throwback Thursday (10/11), follow us on Instagram and send us your favorite pictures from your time abroad using #NolesAbroad.

Next week's theme is "Foreign Fare". Send us pictures of your favorite meal you had, you and your friends chowing down on some gelato, sitting at your favorite cafe, and anything having to do with the delicious grub you had while abroad!

A Year of Adventure

By Claire McCleskey

As the end of my senior year began to approach, I knew two things: I wanted to go to Florida State, and I wanted to study abroad at some point in my college career. I had heard of FSU’s First Year Abroad program on my very first visit to the school but I never imagined I’d be able to spend my entire first year away from home in a foreign country. I’ll never forget the day I received one of the International Programs brochures in the mail. As soon as I started to look through it, both my parents and I knew there was no way I would be able to say no to the FYA program. A few months later, I packed my bags and headed to London.

London is a great city because it has something to offer any time, any day, for any interest. The Study Centre is located close to many theatres on the West End (London’s Broadway) and we learned early on that you can get discounted tickets to shows if you go the day of, so many students took advantage of that. I took Intro to Theatre during my first semester, which had us going to at least one play a week for class, but many of us expanded our theatrical horizons beyond the class. One of my favorite shows was The Woman in Black, which I saw four times in London, and attended a screening of the film introduced by none other than Daniel Radcliffe himself.  Because London is such a central part of the European entertainment industry, many movie premieres are held there. In fact, most of them take place in Leicester Square, which is about a five-minute walk from the Study Centre. One of the coolest events to ever happen there was the red carpet premiere for The Dark Knight Rises. My friends and I camped out to get spots along the carpet and managed to see all the stars, and even get Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy’s autograph! But it wasn’t just movies and theatre surrounding our home in the world-renowned Bloomsbury District—a million things would be happening every day in every field imaginable. One weekend could be a relaxing one spent picnicking in St. James’ or Hyde Park, the next could be the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee where one day you watch the Queen and company float down the Thames and the next you see Paul McCartney singing Let It Be in front of her Buckingham Palace home. Another week might be London’s Fashion Week, which I took advantage of in the fall and spring, and the week after you might head to Stonehenge and Bath. 

There were countless opportunities in London, but the most unique one I had was the chance to be in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics. My friend and I heard about the auditions and signed up immediately. Much to our surprise, we both received a callback. Even more to our surprise, we were both asked to be in the Ceremonies. I wasn’t able to do it because there would have been too many scheduling conflicts with the classes I was taking, but my friend did participate. While I wish I could have been in it too, it’s cool to say I had the opportunity to be in them. Watching the Olympics--which happened just days after I returned from London--made me homesick, but I was swelling with pride knowing that my friend was a part of the ceremonies. 

While in London, I actually completed all of my gen ed requirements except for one science class, and I ended up having as many credit hours as a junior by the end of my freshman year. The Broad Curriculum classes abroad are great, because they give you a really different experience than what you would get in Tallahassee. For example, if I hadn’t studied abroad, I probably would have taken a biology class with 300 kids as my lab science. Instead, I took an archeology class with 20 other students (my largest class by far) where we spent half the class at a museum or digging up the shore of the Thames. During one of the summer sessions, I decided to branch out from the typical Broad Curriculum courses usually taken by First Year Abroad students. I applied to participate in a program focused on documentary filmmaking in Britain, and the two courses I took as part of that program are the most interesting classes I’ve ever taken. Before the class started, I’d never so much as touched a real camera. By the end of the course I had made two commercial parodies and documentary about Abbey Road, filmed on location. That’s one of the greatest advantages to studying abroad—the city becomes your textbook.


When you study abroad, you form a unique bond with your classmates. No one will ever fully understand the experience you had together unless they were there. I made so many great friends studying abroad, but those of us who were together for a full year will always have an inseparable bond. It’s nice to look back at photos of us in London watching an FSU football game huddled around one tiny computer screen, and compare it to pictures of us at our first football game together in Tallahassee, or to see pictures of us on the London Eye at the start of our time in London and see that we took almost the exact same picture on our last day in the city together. Pictures like that make me really appreciate my friends from London because they show just how much we’ve been through together.

While I loved every minute I spent in London, it was also great to get out of the city and see the rest of the world! The Study Centre organized a number of day trips and weekend trips to places like the Highlands in Scotland, Liverpool, Bath, Stonehenge, and Wales. We also took advantage of how easy (and relatively cheap!) it is to fly from London to other parts of Europe. During my time there, I traveled to Venice (twice), Barcelona, Nice, Marseilles, Cannes, Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges, and more. And I got to do it with my closest friends. If there’s anything better than travelling the world, it’s travelling the world with your best friends.

Can You Dig it? Archaeology in Tuscany

By Aaron Brown

The allure of Italy is well-known. Every year droves of tourists flock to her major cities – Rome, Florence, Venice – seeking to experience for themselves the country’s fabulous art, food, and fashion, to savor a few days of la dolce vita before moving on to their next destination. People travel to Italy to relax and enjoy themselves. They go for pleasure and are always surprised to hear my reason for going each summer: to perform strenuous manual labor under the Tuscan sun (don’t be misled by the book) and not get paid for doing any of it. Folks who don’t understand my motives sometimes think I’m crazy, but I go for the experience – the opportunity to dig in Italy. As a student of classical archaeology, what I’ve gained from excavating at FSU’s field school at Cetamura del Chianti has far exceeded any minor discomforts felt along the way. My time at Cetamura has been extremely rewarding, offering me a foundation in my field and opportunities to pursue my own research queries. 

After I tell someone that I dig in Italy and the person asks me if I do the same sort of thing as Indiana Jones (answer: not at all!), the next question is always, “Have you found anything interesting?” My first summer I found very little by way of artifacts aside from a pair of ca. 1980 sunglasses dropped by a lost German hiker. We did, however, observe a peculiar change in soil composition within my trench that year. Along one side of the unit, a curved cut had been made in the surrounding bedrock and filled in with a dense clay pack in antiquity. Given the semi-circular nature of the cut and the presence of the water-retaining clay, we hypothesized that a water containment structure might lie in the adjacent unit. I returned the following summer to investigate the neighboring area. What we found was a large, roughly circular stone-lined cistern or well! The cavity at the center of the structure had evidently been filled in with stones and discarded roof tile at some point (likely when it failed to adequately collect and/or store water), and this is where we focused our attentions that second summer. In order to get to the bottom of some of our most pressing questions – what was its precise function, when was it in use, who had access to its contents, etc. – we had to get to the bottom of the cavity!

The hypothesized cistern under excavation in 2011

The western portion of the structure, revealed in 2012

While we didn’t reach the bottom of the structure in 2011, we did learn a great deal about its form and method of construction. In the process of doing so, we also succeeded in expanding the map of Cetamura. Yet there were still so many unanswered questions. I had to return in 2012. My third summer I set to work uncovering an unexcavated corner of the structure. My goals were to complete a detailed map of the structure (that took into account the unexcavated portion), determine the extent of the clay pack observed in 2010, and see if we couldn’t come up with a better interpretation for its use at the site. In general we met these objectives. We completed the map of the structure and proved that the clay pack continued around all sides of the structure. There is now little doubt that the structure was designed for the provisioning of water. To clarify its relationship to the nearby sanctuary and site as a whole, more work will have to be done around and, especially, within the structure. For the time being, questions of access and usage will have to remain unclear. We also remain uncertain about the date of construction and time of infilling. The cavity at the center of the structure is likely to contain our best evidence for how it was used and when it was in operation. The work of future seasons will concentrate on the center of the structure.

The Harry Potter Experience

By Jordan Wagner

On Wednesday, July 11^th, 2012, I had the privilege of attending the Warner Brothers studio tour of the making of Harry Potter. As a Harry Potter fan from Orlando, FL, going on a studio tour in England was even more rewarding than going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, right down the road from where I live. The atmosphere of the entire place could only be described as ecstatic. Every person I saw looked so happy to be there. There were no rides or amazing shows at this place; in fact the pace of the tour could be called slow and humble. In spite of this, it was a blessing for someone that grew up reading the Harry Potter books and seeing them turned into big screen hits.

The tour featured the actual costumes, props and sets used in all the films. For example, encased in glass was the TriWizard cup from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Set up was the hut Hagrid lived in. The studio contained a ton of different icons from the film series that left everyone in awe. To go “behind the scenes” of the movies was as close to magical as muggles (non magical people) can get. Warner Brothers was smart to open this attraction following the release of the final movie, as Harry Potter fans are eager to keep the spirit of the series alive. I walked through the tour observing the different families with children that were present, and it was encouraging to see excitement in the eyes of even the youngest ones. I grew up with Harry Potter, reading the first book in 4^th grade and seeing the first movie when I was 11. To see a younger generation becoming engulfed by the Potter phenomena was uplifting.

 

After an hour and a half walking through the studio I was completely satisfied, although I now realize I could have purchased the complimentary audiotape and extended my stay much longer. As with any good journey, mine ended in the gift shop. I just had to buy a 40-pound (roughly 60 U.S dollars) Hufflepuff jacket. You might call it the effects of an American exposed to commercialism; I call it the wonder and innocence of a 22-year-old graduate student. The Warner Brothers studio tour was absolutely fantastic, and I would recommend it to any student going abroad to London. Cue the cheesy music, but it made my experience that much more magical.

Life-Changing London

By Suzanne Peterson


When I chose to study abroad for the summer of 2012, I never knew it would be the best decision I ever made. In the months leading up to London I became increasingly excited. When we got our itinerary a couple weeks before school let out in the Spring, I could not contain my excitement. It started to become real; I would be studying abroad in the Global Sports Management program and would be attending Wimbledon, the British Open, the Olympics as well as touring some of Europe’s most elite soccer clubs. The best 6 weeks of my life were about to begin.

Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club

Novak Djocavic warming up before his match

The first week being here went by so fast. Everything was so new, I was still getting used to the time change, and it was slowly starting to set in that I was living in Bloomsbury, London for the next 6 weeks. On the third day of being here we went to Wimbledon. I have played tennis since I can remember so I might have been the most excited out of the group. The process was not as easy as just getting a ticket. We waited in a line, which is called “queuing,” with 5,000 other eager patrons for roughly 3 ½ hours. It was windy and freezing but it was all worth it. I was able to see Novak Djocavic warm up, up close. And I met Lisa Leslie from the WNBA.




Some of my best memories didn’t come from visiting Chelsea soccer stadium, or being at Wimbledon, but from being with the other students in my program. Being able to wander around London and find cool buildings or shops are some of my fondest memories. One time that I will never forget is when a group of us were trying to find Buckingham Palace. It took us around 45 minutes when it should have taken way less. Even though we got lost, we ended up passing other amazing sightseeing opportunities in London and still managed to laugh about our shortcomings.

Stamford Bridge Stadium, home of Chelsea Football Club

Olympic Medals on display at the British Museum, which is located right down the street from the Study Centre

I was able to do things that I may have never been able to do including: meet Rick Scott when he visited the Study Centre or work with Michelle Obama at her ‘Let’s Move’ Tennis Event. I would suggest studying abroad to any person I meet. Describing an experience like this is so difficult because something memorable happens almost everyday. Studying abroad is really what you make of it. There are so many experiences that FSU presents to you by being here, but you have to get out and explore! I can honestly say that studying abroad has changed my life and I can’t wait to see what opportunities arise after this amazing trip.

Global Sports Management London 2012 group at Lord's Cricket Grounds. A very nice facility where apparently Sir Paul McCartney frequents to work out. Also, these grounds will be used for Archery at the Olympic Games.

“Free” Restaurants in Valencia

By Quinton Campbell

While living in Valencia, it’s impossible not to notice the wide variety of dining options that are available. Not only are most of them located near the study center, but they’re very affordable on a student budget, especially when one accounts for the meal tickets, or “cheques,” included in the program fee when studying with FSU.  Not only are there a wide variety in cultural cuisines within the city limits of Valencia, but these cheques are also accepted in major cities all over Europe. This not only helps the budget during independent travel, but since it’s already been paid for, I know I personally felt more inclined to go out on a limb and eat at a restaurant that I might not have tried originally had I been paying directly out of pocket for my meal. Here’s a short list of restaurants within walking distance from the study center in Valencia that accepted cheques while I studied there:

Walk-to-Wok (Chinese)

Pizza Gratis (Italian)

Fressco (Pizza, Pasta, and Salad buffet)

Wok Quing (Chinese)

Pan de Queso (Spanish)

There’s also a Greek restaurant that serves gyros and shawarmas a block away from the study center that accepts cheques but I can’t remember what it was called!

Those are just to name a few of the ones I was aware of, and there are most likely more restaurants that have started accepting cheques (or more restaurants in general that have opened near the study center) within the year and half since I have been there. The restaurants that accept them are really easy to spot as well. When I was there, there were orange signs on the front door that indicated if cheques were accepted there, and this came in handy during the weekend excursions (also provided in the program fee) to Barcelona and Madrid when we were unfamiliar with the restaurants in the area. Again, they’re accepted widely across Europe, so make sure to bring an extra cheque or two with you if you travel independently on weekends to other cities. However, DON’T travel with your entire book of cheques because they’re essentially as good as cash; if you lose them, they’re non-refundable. Definitely take advantage of this aspect of your program fee, because not only have you already paid for it but it really gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the cuisine of the neighborhood on a budget. If all else fails and you have a lot of cheques left at the end of your semester, you have an excuse to eat like a king during your last weekend in Valencia! Buen provecho!

Navajas - The Perfect Spanish Getaway

By Morgan Welsh

Are you an outdoors type of person? 

Looking for a nice place to hike and see some waterfalls? 

Hiking in Navajas

Then Navajas is the place for you! From the Valencia Train Station you can catch a train to Navajas for about 8 euros. It drops you off in a small little town with several specialty shops and delicious family owned restaurants. It’s about a 10 minute walk to the Park. You have to walk down a few trails and eventually you’ll come to waterfalls, a swimming hole and several different hiking paths! The best part was being able to walk under waterfalls and jump off rocks into the swimming hole. If you’re looking for a getaway from the city of Valencia for a day, Navajas is definitely a place to look into! 

The Swimming Hole

Lebanese Cuisine in Panama!

By Morgan Welsh


If you’re studying abroad in Panama and want to go out for Lebanese food, then Beirut is the restaurant for you! They are great at accommodating large parties and offer a variety of indoor and outdoor seating. Convieniently located on the causeway, any taxi driver can take you there for about $5-8. The food is great and fairly priced. Everything from housemade hummus and stone baked pita bread to falafels and pizza. Their menu is several pages long with many different options so there is something for everyone. If you choose to dine outside you can enjoy your meal with a view of the sunsetting over the Pacific Ocean!

Beirut - Comida Libanesa International 

My Everything-But-Typical Day

By Leen Doumet

As cliché as this might sound, I can’t really say I have a typical day here in Valencia. Every day here is so atypical to what I’m used to that it’s hard to generalize all my days into one. But, here’s a typical Tuesday!

On Tuesdays I have my Spanish grammar and composition class at 9am. After class, a group of friends and I partake in our Tuesday/ Thursday breakfast tradition where we go to Serranos restaurant, which is literally a 25 second walk from the study center. At breakfast, we chat and simply enjoy each other’s company for over an hour. If we have a test that day, we study and quiz each other. After breakfast I go to my second class, which is Spanish reading and conversation. At 4:00, I volunteer at the school near the study center and assist fourth graders in learning English. After volunteering, I come back to the study center to study or relax. Later in the evening, I either make dinner or go out to dinner. By the time we come back, which is often times around 11 it is time to wind down and prepare for the next day!

I say my days here in Valencia are far from typical because often times, instead of being in the classroom for my class, I find myself all over Valencia. With my classes I have taken excursions to places like Sagunto, a town that was formerly a Moorish fortress, La Lonja, a beautiful building originally used for silk trading, and the Bellas Artes Museum in Valencia. I have even made Valencian paella for a paella competition in my Food and Society class.

Walking through the Ruins of Sagunto

Finished Paella for Class!

From walking through the ruins of old castles to admiring the architecture in various plazas around the city, I have been extremely lucky to have everything but typical days for the past four months.

Freetime in France

By Allyce Smith


There is no uniform opinion about studying abroad. Granted, if one chooses to study in a foreign country then it is likely you have a strong desire to travel and experience new cultures. However, each experience is unique and it is up to you to make the absolute most of it. Sure, one could simply attend class and all the fabulous excursions FSU has planned, but on the weekend and afternoons you have the freedom to design your ideal study abroad experience. The opportunities offered to you are vastly different from studying within your home country. The sense of independence which accompanies each decision you make is liberating and at times daunting, but the type of experience you have is entirely up to the individual. Because France, and Paris alone, is so vast it can be overwhelming to decide which places you wish to visit. Trust me, one month flies by in the blink of an eye.  I therefore urge students to start thinking about weekend trips and personal excursions before arriving in Paris. Look online and familiarize yourself with the train schedules and nearby locations. Because you only have one month, you will be tempted to hit the ground running upon arrival. 

A walking path through Monet's garden

Detail of some of the buildings

I personally knew before arriving in France that I wanted to visit Normandy. Paris is lovely, Paris is huge and Paris is busy, it is because of these things I wanted to have a weekend trip outside of the city, to see another side of France.  I therefore chose to explore the town of Giverny. Besides having a lovely name which can make you feel French simply by saying it, the town is only about an hour train ride from the Gare du Nord train station and loads of fun! I was able to experience a more traditional village atmosphere (think Belle's hometown in Beauty in the Beast!), with horses, fields of flowers and adorable old houses complete with rose gardens. The experience was surreal and well worth the 12.80 Euros. People could rent bikes, ride down dirt roads and eat traditional Norman cuisine. Probably the most popular site was Monet's house which included his famous water lilies. Although there were tourists, they did not overrun the town, for the most part it was quiet, calm and breathtaking.

We ran into some friendly horses while walking back to the train station!

Because I took the initiative to branch outside of the traditional curriculum (with my trusty friend Kat of course) I was able to personalize the study abroad experience to my taste. Of course, even if I had chosen to only participate in FSU excursions and class I would have still had a fantastic time, but by using my free time to explore places which were near to my heart and interests, I feel that my study abroad experience truly reflected me as a person.  It is difficult to understand just how much a study abroad experience can change you as a person but it honestly does.  So take advantage of your trip and use your free time wisely, this is an experience which you will cherish forever and hopefully change your world perspective! Studying abroad influenced my decision to pursue a graduate degree in French history and cultivated my love for the French language. This is your study abroad experience, use your free time to make it unique. 

Me and one of the numerous flower fields in Giverny

The Riverbed

By Colleen Herrera

My time in Valencia was the greatest experience I have ever had. I have never been to a country as lively and energetic as Spain. It seemed like my 4 months flew by because we were always out exploring our beautiful city and all that it had to offer. However my favorite place to go in the entire city was the Riverbed. It was located conveniently right outside of our study center doors and offered a nice and relaxing getaway for me and many of the other students on the trip as well.

Teachers would often be found holding class down in the riverbed on days where sitting in a classroom was unthinkable. After classes were over it was always the place to go for a walk or run and it offered you some of the best views of the city as it runs the almost the length of Valencia. One day I could casually walk to the left and end up at a beautiful lake complete with swan boats you could rent. The next day I could run the other way and end up at the breathtaking City of Arts and Science. And in between there were parks, gardens, sports fields and some of the best picnic spots in the city. During Fallas we all found it also had some of the best spots to view the nightly firework show that could put the 4^th of July to shame!

I miss the activities and serenity of this part of Spain every day; it was like our very own Central Park right outside our front door.  

The Riverbed

Paris

By Kristen Wharton

Where to begin with Paris? Paris leaves you breathless.

It has captivated the young and the old, been the catalyst for countless creative endeavors, and inspired dreams by the thousands. The allure of this city is truly undeniable.

A view of the Eiffel Tower

There was one day in particular that I set out to spend the whole day meandering around the city. I had hit all the main attractions at this point and just wanted to wander. With school and other time sensitive events, the busyness of my schedule did not allow for unrestricted frolicking, as I’ve since coined it. My day began near Notre Dame and consisted of dipping down side streets, dropping into secondhand bookstores (there are a plethora here and they are one of my favorite things about Paris…in fact they are another reason for my lack of comprehensive exploration…I drop in these and stay for hours), but mostly today revolved around observing and trying to become more familiar with the city’s layout since I have relied so much on the metro.

Walking along the Seine is a spectacle in itself. This river is Paris’ life source. You can get to any main juncture from its banks while being provided with a scenic route along the way.  It is overwhelming! Walking along the river, Notre Dame and the spire of Sainte Chapelle behind me, the Invalides coming in on the left, and just a bit further I have Pont Alexandre to my right. The Eiffel Tower, towering over it all in the distance.  Ok Paris, let’s be real, this is a constant visual stimulation is almost cruel. -- buildings and monuments, each representing a crucial time period in history of the city, all coming together in unity along the Seine. It is a feast you can never digest in entirety.


You leave these cities yearning for more. Knowing you’ve barely scratched the surface. 

The Seine

Florentine Memories

By Kristen Wharton

My time abroad began in Florence, Italy. As an Art History major, this city captured my heart, mind, and soul. The quintessential Florentine streets lined with facades of rusticated stone were a constant thrill to meander through. In the winter especially, this city maintains much of its 16^th century charm. If the architecture itself wasn’t enough, the general ambiance of this city has the ability to transcend you to the time when the Medici family, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Michelangelo roamed these very streets.

But Art History nerd in me aside, this city is truly breathtaking. I remember at the end of my first week in Florence I went for a run from our home on Via Romana down to the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno, then up the hill to the stunning Romanesque basilica, San Minato al Monte. The road that sits right below the church, ropes around the hill to reveal the most wonderful panorama of the city. I was running along this road, literally watching this city reveal itself step by step under the “pre-sunset” sky. So captivated and entranced by the beauty of this city, I wanted to capture it and hold on to this moment forever. 

I decided to run home to grab my camera, hoping to make it back up to this spot to catch the sunset. Sprinting down the narrow streets, Italians staring at this clearly crazed foreigner, I quickly grabbed my camera and took back off towards my spot. So excited that I made it in time, I went to take my first shot…..only to find I had drained my battery while uploading pictures the night before. I just kind of gave an accepting smile, a bit humored by the fact that life always has a funny way of making the most memorable moments at a time when it is impossible to capture them in any other form but in your mind.I should know by now that putting a camera up to your face separates your eyes from your memory. Maybe it is best that instead of taking the picture with a machine, I captured it entirely naturally. A raw memory only for me.  

Here, I had found my sanctuary, a place of peace and clarity, of pure, uninhibited beauty. I had also just experienced something quite remarkable, almost like a physical burden being lifted off my shoulders, for it was at this moment that I allowed myself to let go.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Financing Your Time Abroad

By Kristen Wharton

If any of you are like me, finding a justification to studying abroad is an overwhelming task. First there is the cost. Yeah…parting with 10 grand to spend a fabulous 15 weeks abroad is not an easy thing to maneuver. I don’t know anyone who is sitting on that kind of monetary cushion, so the next step is –find investors. If you are shocked to find that checks do not magically appear at your doorstep after this plea to potential financiers, it’s time to look at loans. Now this is the point where most people just nip this little dream in the bud and say, “I’ll just have to wait until after college to travel when I actually have disposal income.”

You won’t. Life happens. Careers happen. Families happen. And the opportunity to make a strictly selfish decision falls by the wayside.

I would have never known these things had I not deliberated for months in a cost-benefit analysis format about the pros and cons of ditching Tallahassee and subsequently the life and network of friends I had built up here and taking the plunge, by saying “money is resurgent (or maybe just plain worthless in this economy) so lets make this happen”. Since it is really not that simple though, International Programs is more than happy to sit down with you and discuss scholarship eligibility and loan options. 

What I also learned is that most faculty members and employers alike recognize studying abroad as an important contributor in career development, so are thrilled to discuss options for getting to your country of interest. The resources are endless if you seek them out.

I Loved Living in London and I Didn't Want to Leave!

By Sarah Kelley

I studied abroad in London, England for 3 months during the summer of 2010. It was the best 3 months of my life.

Before you go:

While you’re packing, don’t forget to pack a few jackets. In May, it’s still pretty cold in London and you don’t want to be stuck cold, like I was. But once June begins, the heat wave begins as well. Keep in mind that there’s a ton of good shopping on Oxford Street, a street away from the study centre, and at all of the markets around London have clothes you’ll want to buy too: Camden and Portabello Markets were my favorites. Pack clothes you’re comfortable in and prepare for every kind of weather possible. Don’t over pack, you’ll regret it when you have to return to the USA and can’t fit all of your new purchases in your suitcase. Don't forget converters! The previous students will leave straighteners, blow dryers, etc, that fit into the sockets there, so don't worry about those! We all bought little go-phones to keep in contact with each other while in London and used Skype, email and Facebook predominately when talking to parents or friends back in the USA. 

Once you get there:

Don’t be nervous about meeting people, at the introductory meetings and outings you’ll slowly get to know all of the people in your program and other programs. I’m still close with so many people that I studied abroad with; I never expected to find so many lifelong friends. Two years later, we still plan reunions every few months and keep each other updated with our undergraduate and post graduate lives. We went everywhere as groups, and the locals at restaurants, shows, and other places were friendly to us when we reached out to them.

During the first few days in London, a few of us explored.
This was our first venture to Big Ben.

A Typical Day:

I had classes three to four days a week, usually a class a day, which provided me with free time to explore London. Whether it was taking the tube to another side of town to explore a market, or riding around the bus to see all parts of London, there is never a moment where the culture won’t be everywhere. As far as the sites and locations I liked to go to, my favorites that you cannot miss while you’re over there are: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower and London Bridges, Camden Market, the Prime Meridian and Covet Gardens.

There are tons of museums for people with all interests, the majority of the museums I went to were during my classes. With such a big city, there are always new events going on. When I was there, there was the “Elephant Parade,” which had over 200 painted elephants around town to help promote how elephants need our help in order to save the species. I watched a red carpet event for the premiere of the second “Sex and the City” movie, and went to a popular Broadway play at least once a week (they have great student discounts). The best part about studying abroad in London is that there is so much culture and so much to learn from the city itself; therefore, my classes were all taught in different locations daily incorporating the culture of the city into our curriculum.

In front of the theatre before seeing the show "Hair" - it was our favorite show.
(I saw it 3 times while over there and again in the states)

Excursions and Daytrips:

While you may not “feel” like getting up to go on a daytrip or weekend excursion, do it anyways. Some of the best trips were ones planned by the GC’s (graduate counselors, like an RA). On my first session weekend trip we went to Wales, a green countryside with beautiful castles, beaches and mountains. Second session we ventured over to Cornwall, Bath and Stonehenge. We learned how to surf in Cornwall, visited the ancient Roman Baths in Bath and saw the famous Stonehenge rocks on our way back to the study centre. Everything is planned and it’s a fun time, you won’t regret going. There are one-day long trips as well, showing off the smaller towns in England which are each unique and fun in their own ways.

With your new friends, you’ll want to plan weekend trips to other countries around Europe. There are inexpensive flights from any of the three London airports, which aren’t very difficult to travel to. We had a group of twenty travel to Ireland for a weekend and accidentally planned to be in Spain when Spain won the World Cup- words can’t describe how amazing that was. Step out of your comfort zone. Studying abroad is the chance of a lifetime, so live it up as much as your wallet will allow.

One of the stops during our Cornwall Weekend Trip with everyone from session 2

I could go on talking about London for days. I took over six thousand pictures during the three months I was there and saved all of my show tickets, maps and brochures for the scrapbook I will one day make. The experience I had, the places I visited and the people I met contributed to the most amazing summer of my life and I couldn’t be more thankful.