Why did you decide to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because the program I was accepted into at New York University allows freshmen to study at an international site. I knew that I could not pass up the opportunity!
Why did you choose to study abroad in London?
I only had two other choices (Paris or Florence) and honestly I was scared of having a language barrier my first time away from home, so London was perfect.
Did you find financial aid readily available for your travels? If so, what type of aid did you use?
Most of the aid that I used was through my university with the help of FAFSA in the form of scholarships and federal loans. Also, I received a scholarship from the North County African American Women’s Association. Despite such aid I found that London was extremely expensive and found a part time job at a Mexican restaurant called Chilango.
What was the best part of studying abroad?
The best part of studying abroad was meeting so many amazing people. Most students in my program are international students who introduced to me to completely different traditions. Although it was definitely the people I met outside of my program who made my experience something I never expected. The majority of my friends I met through my job had already been in London for several of years, which meant they knew a lot of nice places to dine and of course to party.
Was studying abroad a challenging experience? Why?
Personally, studying abroad was indeed challenging, not only due to finances, but mostly because it was my first time away from home and the fact that it was across an ocean was not very comforting. Although after my second semester I was in love with the city and I didn’t want to leave.
What was your most memorable experience abroad?
One of my most memorable experiences in London was walking to Starbucks in St. Pancreas train station at around 2 or 3 in the morning with my best friends. Most people don’t about this 24-hour Starbucks, (which is unfortunate since in London most Starbucks close at 8pm) so it was usually quiet other than our laughter every few minutes.
What classes did you take when you were abroad? Did the classes available in your study abroad program effect the location you chose?
The classes I took didn’t affect my location choice since they would have been the same regardless of my international site. As I am in a Liberal Studies Program six of my eight classes were required: Cultural Foundations I & II, Social Foundations I & II, Writing I & II. Cultural Foundations was a mixture of religion and literature class while Social Foundations was more of a history and philosophy class. My electives were Central Problems of Philosophy and Developmental Psychology.
Did you do any type of volunteer or service learning projects while you were abroad? If so, describe?
I participated in the HOST program, which allows students to spend a weekend in a household somewhere close to where they are studying depending on how much the student is willing to spend on travel. I stayed with a wonderful family South of London about a half hour away from Brighton on a farm. This family exposed me to real English traditions and villages. I recommend checking out HOST for any student studying abroad, because it will definitely enhance your time abroad.
Did you live with a host family, residence hall or in an off campus apartment? And how did that impact your experience?
I lived in a student dorm called Nido, which was full of students from a variety of schools in London not only New York University students. It was a tiny room with an in room kitchenette and bathroom. Luckily, my roommate and I became best friends and we helped each other out during homesick days and grocery shopping.
Was it difficult to leave your family and friends? Were they supportive of you going abroad?
All throughout high school I couldn’t wait to leave home for college, although my first month in London was very difficult for me. On some level homesickness was compounded by financial hardships, which made it seem as if life back home was just easier. My parents were supportive but at the same time there were many objections concerning how it was to be paid for. Their concerns definitely changed my perspective before leaving home as I felt I was proving my capabilities not only to myself but also to my family.
As a student of color, did you feel your experience abroad was different from your peers? If so, how
In my experience racial tensions at least in terms of black and white were rarely felt in comparison with life back home. Unfortunately, I have some Chinese and Korean friends who had people yell slurs at them in public.
How has studying abroad benefited you?
I have definitely grown as a person due to my study abroad experience. I believe that living and studying so far from home made me realize how strong and independent I am. In addition, studying abroad in London caused me to view the world in a complete different light. Rather than being a huge scary place, the world outside of the states seems ripe with opportunity since I am no longer afraid of stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Do you plan to utilize your experience abroad in your future career?
Due to my study abroad in London I plan to go abroad for my graduate degree, also this experience has opened my eyes to one day working abroad rather than restricting myself to the states.
What is one thing you wish you would have known about studying abroad before you left?
Particularly for London, I wish I had known how expensive it was going to be, because it was quite a shock realizing how little I could pay for by myself.
What do you think other students studying abroad should know before leaving?
Get ready for one of the most incredible experience of your life!!!
Try to study abroad for as long as you can, I found that my second semester abroad was even better than the first. The longer I spent in London the more I fell in love with it.
Do you think that there are any personal qualities that make it easier with the study abroad experience?
Individuals who are more open-minded and independent find that studying abroad is a great experience, although if you aren’t flexible to new ideas and different ways of life, studying away from home might be very difficult.
What do you think could have improved your study abroad experience?
Definitely better financial planning on my part before I left home. Other than that I couldn’t have dreamed of a better experience abroad.
Would you recommend study abroad to other students?
Of course! I loved London, and from now on it will be like a second home.
Do you plan to go abroad again?
I do plan to study abroad again. So far, I am not sure where.
