There are many ways to spend your summer. I spent mine in the great city of London, United Kingdom, participating in an IU co-sponsored summer school program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Studying in such an amazing and diverse city like London is unlike anything else you could ever imagine. I never expected summer school to be so much fun.
When I first stepped into my shoe-box sized dorm, it felt like freshman year all over again being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone from my dorm and classes. But that loneliness soon disappeared as I made so many friends from various different backgrounds, from over 20 countries. Friends that I now cherish so much and am still deeply in touch with regardless of our distances. We would go out together, eat, sleep and do our homework together just like any dorm in the states, but way cooler. Even more interesting was how the classes there had so many different types of people at different educational levels. Group projects were definitely more interesting when undergrads were teamed with masters students.
However, summer classes at one of the top schools in the world weren't all fun and games. In just six weeks, the class and its materials were challenging. But there was always plenty of time to go out and have some fun. And when you are in London, there are just so many things you can do. Some of the cool activities I did were: watching the Lion King musical, visiting the British Museum, and touring nearby towns like Cambridge, Windsor and Brighton. Sometimes I even just let myself get lost in the streets and explore the city by foot, immersed in the culture around me. Oh, and we also went on an awesome food hunt! From trying ethnic foods at a borough market to dining at a modern British restaurant, the food there is just unbelievably good. But my favorite thing I did was when I attended a river boat party on one of London's largest social boats and watched the tower bridge open up to let us through.
But enough writing. I will let these photos tell the rest of my story.
Taking a train at King's Cross station
Going on a punting tour around the campus of the world renowned Cambridge University.
Afternoon tea with a view
Watching the Lion King musical.
Watching the tower bridge open.
Lunch at a traditional English restaurant.
Walking around Canary Wharf
Day trip to the beautiful Windsor Castle
This summer will go down as one of the best times I have ever had in my life and now I get to say that I studied abroad while studying abroad. It is an adventure that one has to see to believe. There are so many places you can go, so many things you can do. Whether it be a short one week expedition or a year-long study abroad, I would recommend everyone step out of their comfort zone once and experience what it's like to be on the other side of the horizon.
Related WeAreIU Blogs:
Studying Abroad in Berlin with SPEA !
No Matter What Else You Do As A Student, Get Out Of The Country and Study Abroad!
Five must-do activities for Hoosiers in London