So as far as reflecting on my identity and how it affects my experiences. I feel like my perspective has still stayed the same as before I arrived in London. As I sit here writing this at my computer screen at home, I feel relieved that I’m finally back in Florida. I personally didn’t enjoy my experience studying abroad. This is because of conditions in and out of my hands. The accommodations were really poor, the communication with faculty took forever, and I had emergencies that took over weeks to get a response for. Maybe its because Rollins has spoiled me with the great professors and excellent student services, but I at least expected some guidance. I felt like I was just dropped off in the middle of a poor part of London expected to know what I have to do. I would recommend studying abroad, but definitely not at this school (and maybe some place warmer). Coming from Florida, I have never really realized what big effect the sun has on my mood and my daily activities. I feel so much happier and brighter with the sun out and I feel ready to take on the day. In London, the sun seemed to only be out once a month. It was killing my mood. I barely wanted to go outside or if I finally did I would have to put on layer after layer to still be cold and uncomfortable. I also wish I had a greater connection with my flatmates. One didn’t want anything to do with any of us and another was at her home a few hours away any chance she could get. All my classes had only other Americans so there really wasn’t a way for me to feel immersed or try to understand the culture more. I still felt like an outsider looking in. Understanding the culture from snippets on TV or articles online. I don’t understand why my classes only included other Americans because that really isn’t a great study abroad program, I still felt isolated. Sure, I met a lot of other cool Americans, but that wasn’t how it was supposed to be. I enjoyed London overall and the countries I managed to travel to, but I feel like no one really prepared us for what it actually was, only simple security facts and trivia. I am very disappointed but I know I would have regretted it if I never chose to study abroad at all. So I guess I can’t really win. I’m just glad to be back home and be able to move onto more exciting things that will help better my future rather than just confuse me daily. At least this will look good on my resume? right?
