Student Journals: AIFS in London, England

Alyssa Fara
Bradley University
Richmond, the International University in London, England

This is a summary of my four months studying abroad in London, England. It barely skims the surface of what I experienced. To see more pictures and hear more about London, places in Europe, and my stories, visit my blog: www.afayintheuk.blogspot.com.

Alyssa enjoys authenitc Fish and Chips

Students throughout the United States choose to study abroad for several reasons. I personally decided to study abroad because I wanted to get out of the United States atmosphere and experience something new. I am a 20 year old female from Illinois; I was itching for an eye-opening adventure. I always knew that one day I wanted to study abroad, but I never knew where. In the spring of 2010, I sat down in my school’s Study Abroad office and went over many options. At first it was very overwhelming because there were so many options to choose from. After looking through numerous brochures, I asked myself, “Where will you feel most comfortable?” After I asked that, I quickly found out that London was the place for me. I chose London for the main reason that they spoke English. I knew that I would personally feel out of place in a country that I couldn’t fluently communicate with.

The advisor in the office recommended the AIFS program and I am so glad that she did. Since the day I applied until after I returned back to the United States after my semester in London, AIFS was always there to help. I can honestly say that my experience wouldn’t have gone as well as it did if it weren’t for AIFS. After being accepted to the program and going through the whole process, it was time to get myself ready. I received my plane tickets on Christmas Eve, I truly couldn’t have asked for a better present! Soon enough it was already January and time for me to pack my bags and fly off to London. After all the anxiety of trying to fit four months of clothes and belongings in two suitcases, I was ready to go. I was filled with mixed emotions, I was happy to be going, sad to be leaving my loved ones, excited for a new adventure, and nervous for what the next four months would bring me. Once landing in London, we got off the plane, went through boarder control, and picked up our luggage. Since the minute of stepping off the airplane, the memories began.

Abbey Road

A driver picked the group of AIFS students up from the airport and drove us to our dorm (Atlantic House) in Kensington. I was expecting a Parent Trap moment when she drives passed all of the historical sites in London; however we didn’t see any of that. I was confused where we were going, but as soon as we arrived in Kensington, my jaw dropped because the area was so beautiful. I instantly felt so lucky to be where I was. The orientation events quickly started and we all became accustomed of the Kensington area within a few days. Within the first week of school I met many people from all over the United States. Everyone had their own story and something unique to bring to our program.

The first two weeks were very exciting; I got to have a fresh start with new people that knew nothing about me. I got to share facts about myself and learn about others. I got to explore a new area and get accustomed to my new “home”. Unfortunately by time the third week rolled around, I started to become a little home sick. I missed my friends and family a lot, but I found out that everyone was going through that as well. Luckily, London had a lot to offer and I was able to overcome the homesickness and was able to enjoy the best four months of my life.

The Ice Bar

I will spare you all the details of my time in London, because I could honestly go on forever. Within my semester studying abroad, I was able to see a good part of London, visit Windsor Castle, and tour Oxford University. From the city to the country side, England was absolutely beautiful. Outside of England, I travelled to Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Sweden, Ireland, and Wales. All of these places had a lot to offer and after every trip I came back saying, “That was my favorite trip.” I highly recommend all of these places, however I suggest saving Paris and Amsterdam for the spring time, when everything is more bloomed and colorful. Despite all of the negative talk about hostels, I think they were some of best things of my trips. They are cheap accommodations and you are guaranteed to meet many interesting people. Most of the people we met in our hostel inspired me to do so much more in my future.

In Paris was the trip offered through AIFS and it was very well put together and it was a great experience. Our schedules included a bus tour, a boat tour, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and tickets to the Louvre. There was plenty of free time for us to roam around Paris and also take a train ride out to the Palace of Versailles (a must see!). Amsterdam was a very beautiful and inspirational place. While there we went to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and the Heineken Brewery. Amsterdam had a lot to offer, more than the typical rumors that we Americans like to view it as. Barcelona was absolutely beautiful and a different lifestyle than what you would experience in London. They typically start their nights around 1am and then sleep until 1pm. Barcelona was a lot of fun and it was nice to get out of the London rain for a few days. I went to Sweden to visit a friend who lives there. If you are looking for a place out of the ordinary, I would suggest either Sweden or Prague. These two places offer something different than other places in Europe don’t. The architecture is different and so is the atmosphere. Ireland was one of my last trips and I fell in love with it! We spent two nights in Dublin and one day/night in Cork. Both cities were gorgeous and the atmosphere was incredible. Everyone went to the pub around 4pm and stayed there all night. Most people were very happy and we had a warm welcome everywhere we went. The Wales trip I went on was through Richmond and I also recommend this trip. On the trip we went coast steering (a combination of rock climbing and cliff jumping), kayaking, and hiking. This trip was exhilarating and it made me realize how much I have grown during my experience. It felt like it was a summer camp for adults, so much fun!

Alyssa (right) and a friend enjoy Royal Wedding festivities

The one thing that I will never forget, and I do mean never, is the Royal Wedding. I still feel very blessed to have experienced such a big and exciting event! My friends and I camped out for almost 17 hours outside of Buckingham Palace and it was totally worth it. I was able to see in person Kate’s gorgeous gown from her car and from the balcony. I was able to see in person how handsome Prince William and Prince Harry truly are. The atmosphere was so much fun, many people were camping out and everyone had a good spirit about it. We were able to see the hotel where Kate was staying as well as receive a wave from the Today Show’s Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira. The memories from that day will stay with me forever!

Studying abroad isn’t all about travelling and exploring Europe, there is school involved too. The classes at Richmond were challenging yet very interesting. The teachers were very kind and they were always there to give their undivided attention. One of my professors and study abroad coordinator, Dom Alessio, was an inspiring man. He is very brilliant and is very unique. He always checked up on the study abroad students to make sure we were doing okay and he was there to help with every issue from needed help in a class to trying to overcome homesickness. I truly enjoyed the classes I took at Richmond.

The four months that I studied in London changed my life. It forced me to grow up very fast and enjoy what the world has to offer. London is a very beautiful city and I would love to visit one day or even move there for a few years, that’s how much I loved it. The location of the school was very ideal and the people that I met will be lifelong friends. AIFS was always there to help, no matter what the issue was and I am very happy that I chose to study abroad through them. It has been two months since I have left and I miss London every day. I would recommend London to every student I know who is thinking about studying abroad. It is too great of a city to pass it up!

Richmond, The American International University in London

Richmond International Internship Program

Shakespeare's Globe Program in London

Institute of Education, University of London