Cheerio Mates!

London, England 2013

           Who doesn’t love British accents? 
           This past Summer I had the opportunity to visit London, England. Trying the food, meeting new people, and visiting all the beautiful sites London has to offer helped me make the easiest decision to plan on studying abroad there when I have the chance.

            While I was in London, England the people I met there were incredibly welcoming and polite. It was really easy to make friends in England especially in the oddest places. My dad even met a nice young man in the bathroom or as they call it the “loo”. In this moment (weird I know), I knew that the environment England has is somewhere I could be comfortable living in. That is also a huge factor when choosing somewhere to study abroad because of the amount of time you spend there, you want to make sure you will truly enjoy yourself.

            Spending a few months or even a year here, people could make so many more friends compared to the few friends you would make during a vacation. Studying abroad will help make lasting friendships because a relationship will form over the course of a few months rather than a one-time encounter during a vacation. In fact, according to the IES Abroad News survey 52 percent of alumni continue to be in contact with the friends they made while abroad.

Another perk of studying abroad is experiencing the differences in food. While staying in London, England I tried the famous fish and chips at a small restaurant. British people really love their fish and chips because the line for the restaurant wrapped around an entire block. Studying Abroad will open your taste buds to a variety of foods you have never tried plus the dining experiences you have will change ordinary social interactions. Not to mention, the food was absolutely delicious.

The London Eye

Studying abroad allows you to really explore the place you are in rather than just seeing pictures on the internet. It will allow you to really appreciate the architectural and traditional differences from different counties. For example, I will never forget seeing the London Eye because the tour guide told us that people often get married while riding the London Eye. They seal their marriage with a kiss once they reach the top of the London Eye and as they make their way down the marriage is downhill from there. I’m sure he was joking.

Studying abroad also will let you be active in events going on the city that you would not be able to participate in if you were vacationing for only a short amount of time. For example, while I was in London this past summer there was a marathon being held for people to run around the city. People were so engaged by it, the streets were closed off, and everyone watched or participated. Royal ParksFoundation holds a 13.1 mile marathon in Central London for every one of all ages to participate in. This is usually held during the fall which would not be ideal for students who go to school unless of course you study abroad and get to have a fun vacation while still attending school. It’s a win-win situation.  

            I don’t know about you but I’m already packing my suitcase. Good food, no language barrier, beautiful sites, beautiful people, why wouldn’t you want to study abroad here? Trust me; you will have a bloody good time!