By: Jane Hulse, Food Science and Technology | Mendota Heights, MN
One of the great things about Ohio State is all the opportunities it offers to study abroad. In fact, I was able to study abroad my first semester at Ohio State, through the London Honors program. After learning about British culture and history all semester, I didn’t mind cutting my winter break short, returning to Columbus to meet my classmates for our flight to London three days before New Year’s Eve. Celebrating New Years in London and watching fireworks with friends was well worth the sleep deprivation wrought by the eight-hour flight from New York to London followed by a bus tour and a tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral the first day. The itinerary the next 9 days was a mix of scheduled activities, like going to the British Museum or having afternoon tea at Montague on the Gardens, and free time to explore on our own so we could learn to use the public transit. Other activities included seeing plays, touring the Globe Theater, a day at Oxford, and seeing the crown jewels at the Tower of London.
Looking back on my experience, it’s funny to think I was hesitant to sign up for this program even though it sounded great. I didn’t know anybody and was afraid I’d end up alone in a strange city. However, it turned out I had nothing to worry about, and in fact going on this trip allowed me to make some really good friends. This trip allowed me to both experience another culture and broaden my own experience of Ohio State through my new friendships. I think one of the great things about traveling abroad is that being in a new environment far from home can push you to be open to new friendships, new foods, and new ideas. And in that way travelling gives you the confidence that you can find things in common with people wherever you are.
After reading the post on the Ohio State University student blog about the value of friendships in our journeys, I’m reminded of the essence of Farnham Estate Weddings
. The quote by Tim Cahill, “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles,” resonates deeply with the spirit of a wedding at Farnham Estate. It’s not just the beautiful location that makes these weddings special, but the gathering of friends and family, celebrating love and companionship. Just as the blog post highlights the importance of connections in our travels, Farnham Estate Weddings are all about cherishing these bonds in a stunning setting, creating memories that are not just about a place, but about the people who make the journey worthwhile.
Wow, Jane, your study abroad experience in London sounds absolutely amazing! It’s fantastic that Ohio State offers such enriching opportunities to students right from their first semester. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in London and watching the fireworks must have been an unforgettable experience, even with the initial sleep deprivation. The mix of scheduled activities and free time to explore the city sounds like a perfect way to immerse yourself in British culture and history.
It’s inspiring to hear how you overcame your initial hesitation and made great friends during the trip. Your story really highlights the value of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. For anyone interested in exploring more about study abroad opportunities and travel tips, I highly recommend visiting [TravelsFAQ](https://www.travelsfaq.com). Traveling truly has the power to broaden our perspectives and build lasting friendships.
You’ve done an amazing job of weaving together different ideas and sources to geometry dash create a cohesive and insightful article.
Your experience with Ohio State’s London Honors program is a great example of how study abroad can push you out of your comfort zone and open you up to new friendships and experiences. It shows that traveling is not just about seeing new places, but also about personal growth and gaining confidence in unfamiliar settings. For anyone looking to embark on a study abroad journey, having expert guidancestudy abroad consultants can make the process smoother and more enriching. Whether it’s navigating a new city or making new friends, the right support can turn any uncertainty into an incredible adventure.