Hearing the stories of students just like you offer more insight into the various experiences you can encounter while studying or interning abroad. By learning from their journeys, you can better prepare for your own adventure, gaining a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to make the most of your time abroad. Meet Emily Kane, an API Ambassador who experienced an American-led program abroad in London, England. She discovered the program’s familiar academic structure facilitated a smooth transition and enhanced her educational experience. Additionally, Emily took advantage of many opportunities to immerse herself in the local culture. Read about her journey below!
Emily’s Program Abroad in London
Studying abroad in London at Florida State University’s London Study Centre was an incredible blend of American education and British exploration. I loved every class I took, including Art and Architecture, History of London, British Life and Culture, and Twentieth Century European History. The professors were fantastic, making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable. Here’s all that I learned during my time abroad:
Immersive Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our learning extended far beyond the classroom. We spent only half of the semester indoors; the rest of the time was dedicated to excursions that tied directly to our weekly lessons. We visited numerous sites such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hyde Park, The British Museum, and more. My favorite was the National Gallery, where my art class often visited. I even went back on my own to admire masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh and Claude Monet. This hands-on, interactive learning approach was unique and engaging, though it required comfortable shoes for all the walking!
American-Led Education Abroad
I attended an American school in London where most of my professors were American. Though it would have been fascinating to make friends with local students and learn about their favorite spots, I appreciated expanding my network by meeting fellow American students from across the country.
Editor’s Note: When choosing between an American-led study abroad program and a locally-led one, consider your comfort level and support needs. American-led programs often provide more familiar structures, built-in support systems, and a network of fellow American students. However, locally-led programs can offer a deeper cultural immersion by engaging more directly with the host community.
Balancing Academic Rigor and Cultural Exposure
Each of my classes met once a week for three hours. Unlike the British system, which typically has one or two significant assignments per semester, the American system offered more frequent assessments. This meant more chances to improve grades, which helped me maintain a solid GPA. Some friends attending fully British universities found their grades slipping, but I was able to keep mine stable!
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly recommend the FSU London Study Centre program. It offered a perfect mix of academic rigor and cultural exploration. The professors were outstanding, and the experiences both inside and outside the classroom were invaluable. I have no regrets choosing this program and would do it all over again if I could!
It’s Your Turn to Go Abroad!
If Emily’s takeaways resonate with you, it may be time for your own international adventure. For more information about studying or interning abroad in locations across the globe, explore more on our website!
