Five Years Later: My Study Abroad Experience

Five years ago, I hopped on a plane by myself and embarked on a study abroad adventure in London that turned out to be one of my favorite college memories. My parents dropped me off at the airport in Vancouver and while I waited for my flight, I was a bundle of nerves. I had wanted to study abroad since I went on a trip to Europe in high school and the summer before my senior year of college seemed like the perfect time to make that dream come true. London was always my first choice, and after doing plenty of research on programs, universities, and classes (and getting accepted of course!), I set off for a summer of British bliss!

After arriving at Heathrow Airport and hustling through customs, I met up with other study abroad students who were flying in from all over the US. We were bussed to our flats and given a chance to settle in. I shared a flat with a few other girls and I loved its location. It was a short walk from the British Museum, Russell Square, and two London Underground stations. The first few days in London were a bit of a blur. There was so much happening, from program introductions to school orientation. I would be attending the University of Westminster and taking a course on London culture, with topics including theater, art, fashion, and architecture. From the get-go, the course did not disappoint. My professor had us take multiple field trips around the city to learn about that week’s topic, including the National Gallery and West End shows. It was fully immersive and allowed me to spend my summer days exploring London and learning about British culture.

I was incredibly lucky to hit it off with a few other people from my program right away. That made it easier to feel adventurous and capable in a different country and continent. It also helped that there were ample social events through my program that allowed all of us to mingle and create memories together. Events that included riding the London Eye, a Jack the Reaper walking tour, nights at the theater, and weekend excursions to York and the Cotswolds. Every few days there was something for us to take part in if we wanted and that constant adventuring led to close bonds with a lot of people in my program. The friendships that I built also led to out-of-school and out-of-program shared moments, like wandering around Camden, lunches from Pret A Manger, grocery shopping at Sainsbury, and evenings out enjoying the London nightlife. Being able to share these travels with people who were in the same boat as me was incredibly fulfilling.

I also found the courage to venture out on my own and I found joy and happiness in that independence. If I really wanted to experience something, I took the initiative to make that happen. I took a solo trip to the British Museum, I tried a full English breakfast on my own, and bought a second row ticket to see Memphis (and met the star of the show, Matt Cardle at the stage door!). I wanted to make the most of this experience and I did not want to let any of the time I had abroad go to waste.

When I think back on that summer in London, I think about a girl who flew across the Atlantic with a bundle of nerves but a lot of excitement, and found adventure, friendships, and a confident sense of self-assurance. I think about the boat load of delicious food I tried and the amazing architecture that was around every corner. I think about my flat and the walk on Oxford Street to get to class. I think about all of the Tube rides and an entire bar singing along to “Give It Up” by KC and The Sunshine Band. I think about how proud I am of myself for taking that leap and fearlessly embracing my study abroad experience.

If you or anybody you know is thinking about studying abroad, DO IT! Do it, do it, do it! It’s a truly life-changing adventure that can broaden your mind and experiences. Take advantage of the time in your life when you may not have as many responsibilities or things tying you down, and take a leap into the unknown. The memories that you make will stay with you and you will gain so much from this wonderful kind of experience.

If you’d like to see my study abroad video from five years ago, you can find it here.