My STEP signature project was an education abroad program for the month of May in London, England called Literature and Culture of London. During my trip, my group and I traveled around London and the surrounding English countryside reading classic works of British literature and learning the history that shaped Great Britain’s modern culture. This was the first time I have ever left the country and I must say, it was an incredible learning experience. Learning about the origins of Britain really taught me about how small things in history can have a substantial impact on the years to come. One of the biggest realizations I had while in London is how interconnected the world is, for better or for worse. Finally, this trip and the hurdles it set before me showed me that I am able to be independent in the world secure in myself even in a place thousands of miles away from home.
One thing that London taught me was the incredible impact of our actions on the future came from a very unusual historical figure. By talking about her in class and seeing her portrayed on stage at Shakespeare’s New Globe Theater, my class and I became very familiar with a woman named Nell Gwynn. Nelly Gwynn was many things, including an orange seller, a prostitute, an actress, and a mistress to King Charles II. Because of one woman deciding she would take a chance, Gwynn is remembered today as the very first female actress and forever changes the course of acting and entertainment. Learning about Nell Gwynn made me realize just how important our actions are today and how going against the norm can create many positive outcomes in the future.
During our last week in class, we focused on the modern and multicultural aspects of London and how they affect not only British life, but all of the world. One topic that is widely debated in Europe today is the current refugee crisis due to the war in Syria and Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. We discussed many angles of the problem in class, including how to support refugees while also taking security into consideration and I found myself totally amazed at how I never before really gave these issues a lot of thought. I’ve always known that they are issues, but since I was from a country not directly affected or affected in the same way, I had never truly searched for an answer. I think that this discussion in London made me realize that it is easy (and wrong) to ignore pressing issues if my way of life will not be immediately changed and I’ve become more aware of world events because of it.
Overall, I know that England isn’t all that different than the US and it’s very accessible to Americans thanks to the English language, but the experience of living in a foreign country made me a lot more confident and secure in myself. This was my first time ever leaving the country and I succeeded in becoming accustomed to British culture by trying new foods, navigating my own way through the city, and making friends with local people. By the end of the month, I felt like I could legitimately live in London without a problem even though I lived in the Ohio countryside for the majority of my life. Some people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them this because they have heard of the horrifying terrorist violence that has been plaguing Europe, but that’s only because they haven’t learned what I have during my time in London. What I’ve learned is that the most important thing is not to run from fear, but to live and travel and meet people anyway, despite the risk.
When I came home from Europe, I’ll be totally honest in saying that I was glad to be back. But I know that the lessons I’ve learned while I was away will stay with me far into my future and benefit me in many ways. Even though my future plan is to work in the medical field, I truly believe that what I’ve taken away from this experience — understanding history, the impact of our choices on the future, a wider worldview, and confidence in myself — will surely be necessary. It is critical for professionals of all types be not only able but willing to connect to people of all backgrounds and this is exactly what my education abroad experience has given me.
Here’s a link to the blog that I kept while in London. Check it out!
www.dearhumansite.wordpress.com
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It sounds like you were able to learn from both the similarities and differences in cultures between the U.S. and U.K.