Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: Not only has my sister studied abroad, I had never been to Europe before Fall 2019. And the school schedule provides a lot of structure for me. So it was helpful to be in a structured environment where I could learn and grow, but to sight-see and try new things.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: My highlight was living there. It was the rain and my favorite seat on the bus and the warm coffee and how close I was living to the hustle and bustle. I enjoyed my class schedule as well as much as the people. The existence of living somewhere that had the skeletal framework of home, but the flesh of being completely different was very encouraging and refreshing.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: I was sad for the first even the week I was there. I missed Merced and being with my friends. Nothing in London was the way that I imagined it and I had a hard time making friends without crowding them. It helped to know what soothes my anxiety. One of the things that helped me was initiating a routine. Little things like waking up in the same time frame, going to the same bus, walking the same routes made the difference in helping me acclimate to my space. Once I felt relaxed, I had an easier time making friends, staying out later, and joining clubs.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: The coursework at UC Merced has many more intermediate goals; more midterms, quizzes, drafts, and that sort. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has a term thesis or two per class. But, this might have been due to my selection of subjects and/or only seeing each professor once a week. QMUL was very light in terms of course work and very lecture heavy.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I might have found a Masters or PhD topic. I met some fantastic connections to discuss my ideas with. London, and the broader England, is an entirely different culture than California and the broader U.S. It didn't feel like a culture shock, but I was constantly reminded of my American-ness and their British-ness. I have a greater understanding of my fellow students.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: You will make friends. It might take some time, but you will make them. Do not be afraid to go to clubs or be a part of a large friend group. Even though you might leave them behind, you also might not. And having a support system is going to be instrumental in making your travels easier and more pleasant.
Also, the academics in England seem rather slow. Do not be fooled. Go to class. Their standards are higher.
Q: Describe a typical day for you abroad.
A: Wake up. Breakfast. Read headlines about Brexit/current news. Get ready. Catch the bus. Get off at the college. Go to class. Hang out at the chaplaincy between classes to socialize. Eat lunch with my friends. Go to class. Go to a Wetherspoons (restaurant with cheap drinks and good food) with friends to socialize. Take the bus home. Get ready for bed. Do some homework/prep for the next day. Watch Netflix. Go to sleep.
