When I applied
to this program I didn’t know anyone else that was going, but knew that it
would be a great learning experience for me. I had never left the country before,
but this brought more excitement than nerves. There is so much out there to see
and learn about in the world. The perfect way to learn new things is firsthand,
which I was able to do with this program. However, I was able to meet one other
person from CSI who was also going to Middlesex University. Right away, she and
I got along, so we decided to book our flight together. That made the six and a
half hour flight a little more enjoyable by having someone to speak with.
Once I arrived
in London, I couldn’t wait to get out and see all of the sights. Although I was
a bit jet lagged, that didn’t stop me from wanting to see things right away. We
had a welcome dinner that night and were able to mingle with others in the
program. I met people from all over the world, including Germany, Austria, and Hong
Kong. Everyone was extremely nice and all had the same excitement to be
someplace new or someplace they once visited but wanted to explore further. One
of the first things that everyone was told is that London is only a twenty-five
minute tube ride from our campus. This makes it easy for everyone to just hop
on the shuttle and experience the short tube ride during night or day.
The program that
I choose to do is five weeks, and I am currently on my third week of being in
London. The sights that I have seen so
far are completely marvelous. For example, the second day here I saw Big Ben
and the London Eye. The line to get onto the London Eye looked a bit long, but
it actually moved fairly quickly. It consists of a forty-minute Ferris wheel
ride overlooking London and allows you to take some amazing photos. Along with
having the freedom to see any sights I please, the University also put together
excursions for students in the program. My favorite trip so far has been the
one to Stonehenge and Bath. I’ve always heard people speak of these places and how
wonderful they are. Well, we were lucky enough to have the University plan out
a trip for all of the students. Within just an hour and a half I was able to
see one of the most amazing sights in the world.
One of the things
I love about Europe is the train system and how it is very easy it makes travelling.
The trains run frequently and have fairly decent prices. For example, I booked
a day trip to Scotland. I will be able to see Edinburgh, which I was also told
is fabulous. Another part of Europe I will be visiting is Paris, France thanks
to the University putting together an optional trip for that. Not only am I
fulfilling one of my biggest dreams by being in England, but I am also
travelling to other countries within Europe!
This trip has taught me a great deal about
myself. I have been able to learn about new cultures and meet people from all
over the world. Overall, I suggest to anyone who has ever considered going
outside of the country to take an amazing opportunity through CSI to accomplish
this. Even if you haven’t thought about going out of the country for study
abroad, I highly recommend considering it due to the wonderful time you will
have and all of the places you could see. This has truly been a life changing
experience that I will cherish forever.
