Embarking on my study abroad experience I truly had no idea what to expect, to some extent I had felt that I had not prepared myself enough – but then what was to prepare oneself? How do you prepare for what you do not know is to come? As such, I simply focused my internal efforts on ensuring that I had no expectations and instead, would be open to all sorts of different experiences and the opportunity to build relations with people who were different from those of the LFC community. This wouldn’t be my first time moving abroad however, it would be my first experience living in a city where I didn’t have a plethora of connections, unlike when I first enrolled at LFC and had friends already enrolled and around the city.
I remember my first day landing at Heathrow airport, that was the moment it all sank in – when I realized that I was really doing this and had to make my way to campus all on my own, in this new wonderful but somewhat threatening (only because it was still new) city. The adjustments began from day one, as I noticed the similar architectural style of most London homes and buildings. They were primarily narrowly built and with a classic look, a link to the past and the older traditional London housing. The English love their past, seriously they love history, but fortunately not just that of their own but that of the world and that has allowed for many enriching and critical conversations.

As part of the AIFS program, I was fortunate to find the perfect internship opportunity for me, one where I served as the Creative Strategy intern for a creative agency duo named Joe Projects and Joe Future. This experience has thus far proven to be immensely impactful and beneficial to my professional growth, exposing me and allowing me to get my hands dirty with real world agency work. I have been privileged to work with a wonderful pair; Jon Kallus and Natasha Green who have made everyday a joy, demonstrating how great work can be if you love what you do, and who you do it with. I look forward to keeping in contact with them as I advance my career next semester in Chicago with the In The Loop program, and hope to one day return to London and build on my positive experiences.

With just under a month left of this study abroad program, I aim to finish off strongly by leaving an impact with my new friends, connections and student organizations. At the beginning of the program, I made it an aim to fully immerse myself, and as I approach the end I am happy to say that this is something that I have been able accomplish as I reflect on my experiences at work, in the classroom and beyond, in my social activities.
On a final note, I would like to show my gratitude and thanks to the Lake Forest College scholarship fund, as their assistance truly made this experience significantly smoother, easier and happier.

News Contact

Alexandra Olson Coordinator of the Global Engagement Office
847-735-5231 aolson@lakeforest.edu