Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

In this particular piece about my time abroad in London, I want to go into detail about my studies since that is the entire reason I was given such a great opportunity. I was enrolled in five courses: British Politics, British Life and Culture, Global Cuisine, Comparative Criminology, and The British Monarchy. Each of the courses was undeniably some of the most interesting courses I’ve taken throughout my academic journey.

One of the biggest differences worth highlighting between US and UK institutions is how speaking-intensive the classes can be and how that helped me on my return back to Lake Forest College as my classes now consist mostly of my senior seminars. I am not someone who always was comfortable speaking in front of an audience, but the classes and the professors in London were set up to build a sense of confidence and comfort with public speaking. From ten-minute to three-hour-long presentations, I grew very confident in my ability to public speak and to properly articulate my thoughts in a cohesive oral way. Going through the uncomfortableness has allowed me to find my strengths within public speaking, and I now feel ready to take on not only my senior seminars but whatever life may throw at me post-grad.

Overall, the experience was unforgettable and one I do not take for granted. Being able to bring something new, with a different perspective, is something that I long for. Perhaps that's one of the parts I miss the most about studying abroad, the perspectives outside of the US, outside of everything I had ever known.